The Pre-K Way...Excellence Without Exception

  • Achieving the Dream 

    Paw Creek ES's Rachelle Gethers with diploma

    Rachelle Gethers was more than ready to walk the stage at Western Carolina University’s commencement ceremony on May 10. Dressed in cap and gown, she had her whole family with her – husband, sister, children and grandchildren – to witness the event and celebrate her achievement.

    “It was amazing!” said Gethers, the 2022-23 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Teacher Assistant of the Year. “To see this come to fruition, I’m super excited.”

    Gethers is fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming a certified teacher. A West Charlotte High School graduate, she earned an associate degree in early childhood development from Central Piedmont Community College before marriage and a family postponed her teaching plans. Her heart is in Pre-K, where she has worked for 27 years, the last 14 at Paw Creek Elementary School. It was there that she realized it was time to take the next step.

    “I knew I could do it, but (Principal) Danielle Belton is the one who pushed me,” Gethers said. “About two years ago, she said, ‘Gethers, you’re ready to be a teacher.’”

    Belton said she knew Gethers was phenomenal from the first day she saw her in action. She was an anchor for the teacher she supported, and was targeted and intentional with taking opportunities to own instructional pieces of the day, including small groups, which she executed with excellence. 

    “She has always been a bright light for students and adults” Belton said. "She has such a magical touch, even with the students who need the most support. Her investment in kids and our school community is unparalleled.”

    Gethers earned her Bachelor’s degree in early childhood development through Western Carolina’s Distance Program, and she is the first to admit it was difficult juggling work, college and family. She attributes her success to time management skills, support from family and friends, and her continued workouts at Burn Boot Camp.

    “It was very challenging. I’d leave my house at 4:30 a.m. for Burn Boot Camp, then go home, get glam and come to work,” Gethers said. “But that’s given me the mental capacity to come to work, do my best here, and then go home and start my coursework. It was a lot of work to keep that momentum going every day, but I had encouragement from my husband; my classroom teacher, Ms. (Chandra) Ross; and everyone at Paw Creek.”

    Gethers is not alone on her path to teaching, as many CMS TAs have made that choice. Over the last five years, nearly 600 TAs have become teachers, some taking advantage of the CMS Teaching Residency Program. This summer, Gethers will take a five-week class through the Teaching Residency for her licensure, and she will have her own Pre-K classroom at Paw Creek, beginning in the fall. Belton said their school community is excited about Gethers teaching next year, with some families already requesting to have their students in her class.

    “I look for potential teachers who love kids, are passionate about growing kids and who are aligned to our school’s core values of learning, family and fun. Rachelle is the total package,” Belton said. “She impacted hundreds of kids in her 20+ years as a teacher assistant, and now it’s her turn to make an even greater impact as a classroom teacher. I know that she will be successful, and I look forward to the magic to come as she starts the 2025-26 school year here at Paw Creek.”