Sometimes you learn more about a person when that person tells her story in her own words.  Her words transmit her beliefs, her vision, and most importantly, share genuine insight about her life.  In this question-answer spotlight, meet Mrs. Yolanda N. Worsley Anderson.

  Yolanda “Nikki” Worsley Anderson

Question: Where do you work?  What is your job?

Answer:    I joined Walter M. Williams High School[in Burlington, NC] in the capacity of an Assistant Principal.  I am formerly an Eastern North Carolinian, who resided in the city of Greenville, NC, home of the East Carolina University Pirates.

Question: Where did you attend undergraduate school? Where did you attend graduate school?

Answer:    My undergraduate and graduate education was completed at the prestigious North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, Greensboro, North Carolina.  My academic accomplishments encompass a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Master of Arts in Teaching, and Post-Master’s Certification in School Administration.

Question:  How long have been in school system? What did you do earlier?

Answer:   I worked with the Guilford County Schools district since 2004 at Eastern Guilford Middle School as an Exceptional Children’s Teacher, English/Language Arts Teacher, and Induction/Success Coordinator.  Additionally, while at Eastern I also had the opportunity to serve as a member of the school based leadership team and the literacy team.

Question:  What are your basic beliefs about education?

Answer:     I strongly believe that all students should be provided with a learning environment that is conducive to advancing one’s success wherein students are provided with rigorous instruction, equity of pedagogy[equal use of teaching strategies for all], as well as engaging lessons and an infusion of technology. Furthermore, I believe that it is essential to consistently set expectations to encourage and challenge students to master their highest potential.

Question:   What are the best approaches for helping Black students?

Answer:      The best approach in helping Black students is primarily building a relationship to assist them in recognizing their own gifts, talents, and uniqueness.  Oftentimes, minorities are tracked into the lower spectrum of the educational system; and therefore, it is important to advocate for them on the administrative level while simultaneously inspiring them to achieve.

Question:      Tell us about your immediate family.

I am married to JeVonte and we have one daughter, Amari and we reside in Guilford County, Greensboro, NC.  I have a strong, close knit family which has played a very intrinsic role in my success over the years as an educator.

Question:  What are the greatest benefits you have received from your grandparents and your parents?

Answer:    My grandparents, David and [the late] Mary Gay, and Doris Worsley, instilled faith and perseverance in my life as a very young child.  My parents, Charles and Mary Worsley, whom I esteem highly in love, have been amazing Christian role models who encourage me to walk in integrity, serve with excellence, and Godly character.

Question:   What are your honors and accomplishments so far as an educator?

Answer:      Some of the honors and accomplishments spanning over my years as an educator include:

*    Mission Possible Teacher Leader, Eastern Guilford Middle School

*    Teacher of the Year, Eastern Guilford Middle School.

*    Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society for Educators

*    Cambridge Who’s Who Among Educators Nominee

*    Closing the Achievement Gap Conference Presenter

*    Rookie Teacher of the Year Nominee, Eastern Guilford Middle

*   Teacher of the Year

*   Assistant Principal of the Year Finalist

Question:   What are your goals for the future?

Answer:      I  am tirelessly pursuing expansion of the established framework of excellence known within the Walter M. Williams High School.  One of my future aspirations is to attain a position firstly as a Principal and then as Superintendent of a school district to tenaciously promote, empower, and impact the lives of all stakeholders and influence a generation.