LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Alison Bird

Position: English Teacher
School: New Bern High School
School District: Craven County School District
City, State: New Bern, NC

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Alison Bird was nominated anonymously.

Ms. Bird creates a positive classroom environment by building trust and mutual respect. She prioritizes learning students' names quickly, greeting them at the door, and taking time to understand their backgrounds, interests, and goals. Ms. Bird fosters a collaborative culture by encouraging student voice and choice, utilizing discussion protocols that provide every learner with an opportunity to contribute, and creating space for students to share their lived experiences as part of their analysis of texts.

She integrates culturally responsive teaching strategies and AVID-style supports to ensure all students, regardless of background, can access rigorous material and feel empowered to take intellectual risks. Additionally, Ms. Bird emphasizes respect and empathy by modeling active listening, addressing conflicts promptly and fairly, and reinforcing their shared classroom norms. Celebrating academic growth, effort, and unique contributions helps cultivate a sense of belonging. Ultimately, her goal is to create a space where students feel safe, valued, and challenged; a place where they can develop the communication, critical thinking, and analytical skills they need for life beyond high school.

Ms. Bird is very devoted to her career, with incredible accomplishments. She was selected as Partners in Education (PIE) Ambassador for the 2025–2026 school year. She is serving as Twin Rivers Reading Council Ambassador for the 2024–2025 and 2025–2026 school years. She is the School Representative for the North Carolina Council of Young Readers (2024–present). She is a National Honor Society Advisor (2023–present), leading service, scholarship, and leadership initiatives for high-achieving students.

Ms. Bird presents at district-level professional development events, including the upcoming Craven Summit (February 2025) and Beginning Teacher Professional Development (2023). She is an AP Language and Composition, AP Seminar, and AP Research-certified teacher, as well as an AVID Certified Teacher, with a track record of integrating rigorous, college-level instruction and AVID strategies to improve student outcomes. She has completed advanced professional training, including the Gizella Abramson Teaching the Holocaust Conference and the 22nd Annual Martin and Doris Rosen Summer Symposium: The Holocaust and America (2024), which has enhanced her expertise in culturally responsive and state-mandated Holocaust instruction.

Ms. Bird is an active member of professional honor societies, including the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and the National Society of Leadership and Success.

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Comments (9)

Dawn Grady Posted 9 months ago

I've been able to interact with Ms. Bird as a parent and a colleague. She is always pleasant and kind, expects great things from her students, and cheers all of her students on in all aspects. When my son was in band, I always enjoyed seeing her work with the Color Guard. She had a terrific bond with those students, and the entire band thought a lot of her. As a colleague, she is generous with her knowledge and resources, and she was an amazing support as I moved up to high school from middle school. Ms. Bird is the kind of teacher you want to teach your child, and she is definitely the kind of teacher you want to work with!

Erin Nelson Posted 10 months ago

This is my first year at New Bern High School and Ms. Bird's classroom is beside mine. I cannot imagine how lost I would be if she were not there to patiently answer my daily barrage of questions. Ms. Bird not only patiently guides me, but cheerfully and readily offers her wisdom and resources. I am also witness to her dedication in developing student relationships. Every day during class change, Ms. Bird is in the hallways calling students by name and engaging with them. It is evident in their responses how much they value and respect her. She is a true gift to the education world.

Carnell Wallace Posted 10 months ago

Ms. Bird is an amazing person. She shows all the skills that other teachers should learn from. She has helped me so much as a second-year teacher. Without her, I'm not sure I would still be teaching today. Ms. Bird is very helpful and patient, even when I ask her a million questions. She always does this with a smile, which is really amazing when you think about how busy she is every day. Thank you so much for being here when I started. You are definitely an important part of this school.

Marianna Dunn Posted 10 months ago

I have had the privilege of teaching with Alison since 2021 and can truly say that she is a life-changing teacher. This nomination is so well deserved!! Alison works hard to not only support, encourage, and challenge her students, but also does the same for her colleagues. As a true life long learner, Alison is constantly seeking out the best practices for her classroom, meeting each student right where they are, and helping them reach their full potential. She never shies away from sharing those things with her colleagues, in the hope that they too can incorporate them into their classrooms. Alison goes above and beyond in the classroom and at our school!

Crystal Fulcher Posted 10 months ago

Alison is an amazing teacher that challenges her students and nurtures a wonderful learning environment. She really listens to her students to give them the best education she can.

Tonya Posted 10 months ago

Alison cares about all of her students and goes above and beyond to make a safe inclusive classroom environment for her students! She challenges each and every student to perform to the best of their ability.

Don Posted 10 months ago

Best teacher who always has maintains and promotes a positive and healthy environment for her students.

Andrew Posted 10 months ago

Go Alison!

Kelly Edwards Posted 10 months ago

Ms. Bird is an excellent teacher! She sets high expectations and gets her students to achieve them. She was nominated for the 25-26 Teacher of the Year!