The National Geographic Society’s newest featured teacher, Steve Pierce, hails from a town called Old Fort in the mountains of western North Carolina. Twice awarded Teacher of the Year for McDowell County, nominated for the National Teacher Hall of Fame, and a member of the Governor’s Teacher Advisory Committee, Steve is dedicated to his students and to the teaching profession.

Yet, even with a belief in lifelong learning and career-long professional development, his decision to pursue certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) required him to first reflect on his accomplishments and set new goals.

“The certification process made me examine my teaching practices from a different perspective. ...Taking the time to look at one’s processes in a structured way brings revelations that are usually missed in the hectic pace of teaching,” says Steve Pierce.

Steve teaches sixth grade and has for 27 years. One year in administration more than a decade ago convinced him that a classroom of sixth graders and a lifetime of teaching were closer to his heart. Maintaining this focus, Steve sought opportunities to update his subject knowledge and teaching applications. The North Carolina Geographic Alliance, part of the nationwide network of geography education alliances established and funded by the National Geographic Society, became a platform for growth for Steve.

He is a trained teacher consultant, the present chairman of the alliance board, an award-winning presenter for the National Council for Social Studies and the National Council for Geographic Education, and a George F. Cram National Scholarship winner.

After earning his bachelor of arts degree from North Carolina Wesleyan College in 1973, Steve earned a master’s degree from Appalachian State University and an education specialist degree in 1984 from Western Carolina University. With his training and interest in geography education, Steve attends and leads teacher institutes all over the state.

Teaching and learning is a family affair for the Pierces. Steve’s wife, Janice, is a kindergarten teacher and his son, Benjamin, studies at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

Teacher Steve Pierce writes about the board certification process:

• Thoughts on the National Board Process
• The NBPTS Standards
• The Reflective Process
• The Social Studies Portfolio
• The Assessment Center
• Decisions To Be Made
• Reflecting on the Process

• Winning an NGS Teacher Grant started Peggy Clay on a path from her Alabama classroom to NGS Headquarters