I was born a teacher. My mother taught French and English in the 1940s. My great grandmother was the first Black music teacher in Oxford, N.C. And after graduating from Virginia State University, I became a teacher in 1977.
I was a teacher of science and mathematics in public schools for most of my educational journey. Teaching has always been in my blood. I was introduced to Friendship Public Charter School in 2014 and oh my goodness—I thank God for the opportunities public school afforded me, but it was Friendship Public Charter that helped to bring out the “best of me” every single day!
I think that the Friendship Charter School system is second to none. It promotes academic excellence and provides partnerships with a myriad of public and private community-based organizations which has helped my students to learn outside of the classroom. My charter school really encourages innovation and a progressive learning environment. What a teacher believes, knows, shares, and creates—both in and out of the classroom—contributes to student success. My charter school really encourages innovation and a progressive learning environment.
I have been teaching for 29 years within my 42-year career in education. My degree is microbiology and science is my passion. As a teacher of color, I feel that I have served as a mentor, mother, godmother and auntie—for not just children of color—but for all young ladies so that they know they can do whatever they want to do in a career. Inviting special guests—especially women of color—hosting a “Just us Girls” program, giving advice, and supporting them in science and every day makes teaching fulfilling for me. Friendship Charter School allows me to go beyond the classroom. In 2016, I took several students to Flint, Michigan on a mission of support during the “Flint Water Crisis.” We delivered 18 cases of drinking water to another charter school, International Academy of Flint. It was an awesome experience for the students to share and create a true sense of community service and love for your fellow man.
During Black History Month, I require students to re-create the original invention of an African-American inventor or scientist. This project is presented in my “BlacSeum” showcase each February. It is an interactive museum where students share the creation. For Women’s History Month, I require my students to research the role of a woman in the STEM field, display the findings on a poster or PowerPoint, and present the information to the elementary students in our school. I am also the sponsor of “Techbridge girls” club where the young ladies complete lab activities and meet women working in the STEM field.
I work in Friendship Public Charter School and am very proud of it. It has given me a sense of belonging and the family environment within the staff allows me to help others. I truly feel honored to work at Blow Pierce Public Charter School Academy.
Lynne D. Holcomb-Gober is a science teacher at Friendship Blow Pierce Elementary & Middle School.
Read more about Women’s History Month celebrations at charter schools across the country!
