Growing Future Teachers for our Local Schools

Community Conversation: Jennie Bryan, Brunswick County Schools' Teacher Scholar Academy

As someone who has had family members successfully participate in future teacher programs in another locality, I was pleased to have a conversation with Ms. Jennie Bryan who leads the Brunswick County Schools’ Teacher Scholar Academy to increase the number of homegrown teachers. The four High Schools in the County send students to the Academy.

In addition to the Academy, there is a locally funded scholarship program: for every $2,500 in support, the recipient commits to teaching in Brunswick County for one year.

Current applications are closed. The new window opens in January 2027.

The program has also recently launched an Early Childhood Education I course. Students who successfully complete 120 internship hours in a local childcare or PreK program qualify for the NC Early Childhood Credential, which is required for all lead teachers in childcare centers.

By way of background, Ms. Bryan started her career as a High School social studies teacher. She was named Brunswick County Teacher of the Year in 2020, Southeastern Regional Teacher of the Year in 2021 and COAST Teacher of the Year in 2026.

We are happy to share our conversation with Jennie about this innovative program.

You can also find this interview on our YouTube channel.