Her Story
About Samantha
Samantha Rich is a 3rd grade teacher with 9 years of experience at a school in North Carolina. A first-generation college graduate, she earned a political science degree before obtaining her teaching license and entering the classroom. Rich has taught grades kindergarten through fourth, with a particular passion for reading instruction that has inspired students who previously disliked reading to develop a love for it. She also owns her own tutoring business, providing two to three hours of after-school support, and recently launched a summer book club for rising third graders that she hopes to continue during the school year. Her commitment to high expectations and relationship-building led to her selection for the Teacher Leaders cohort after her students demonstrated exceeding growth data. Rich values integrity, positivity, laughter, and striving for excellence in both her professional and personal life.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Samantha
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Set high expectations early and never keep your foot off the gas. Go slow to go fast. Average is not good enough. Build relationships with students.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Try really hard to filter the noise that you listen to. Choose to align yourself with the correct people who love their job. Avoid the negative Nancy trap.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Being an honest and trustworthy person with integrity. Seeing the positive and light in situations through laughter. Working extremely hard and striving to be excellent.
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