Monarch butterflies have long held a special place in my heart. Since 2018, my family and I have cultivated a monarch pollinator garden, participated in tagging monarchs for the Monarch Watch program, and enjoyed watching Flight of the Butterflies. Visiting the El Rosario Butterfly Sanctuary remains a dream on my bucket list! This passion naturally found its way into my classroom, where I introduce Monarchs as a cultural symbol during our Day of the Dead unit in Spanish class.
Topics Related to Teacher Ambassadors
DNCR Teacher Ambassadors explore our sites and educational resources, and share the creative ways they bring these experiences into their classrooms.
Recently, my students in the Martin Innovative Middle School Program at Riverside Middle School in Williamston engaged in a unique and meaningful educational experience through DNCR’s NC Kids’ Exploration Journal. The journal, provided FREE to schools requesting them, guides students through outdoor observations and reflections and quickly became a favorite among students and families alike.
As educators, one of our greatest rewards is watching our students grow academically, discover their passions, and make connections that will shape their futures. North Carolina History Day, an affiliate of the National History Day® (NHD) program and operated by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR), fosters these qualities in students while also providing teachers with an enriching and rewarding experience.
As a DNCR Teacher Ambassador, there have been many inspiring resources and experiences that have stood out to me – but when I learned about DNCR’s free dual-language publication Plott’s Tales and Trails: Aventuras con Carolina, my brain lit up.
As a transplant from the lower Carolinas, I arrived at Bennett College for Women in 1989 as a young, impressionable future teacher. Now, with thirty years of educational experience, I proudly call this state home. And as an African-American woman, I want to see my reflection and my students’ identities reflected in my state's educational content and curriculum.
Nicole Ahn, 2025 DNCR Teacher Ambassadors and Arts Integration Specialist at Magellan Charter School, Raleigh
Imagine a school gym transformed into a wildlife gallery—68 vibrant papier-mâché animal heads crafted by fourth graders, each one the result of hands-on research and a trip to the North Carolina Zoo, one of the 100+ sites operated by the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR.)
As educators, we know the value of bringing history to life for our students. While field trips often focus on more traditional destinations, the State Library of North Carolina and State Archives of North Carolina, nestled within the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR), are vital institutions that preserve our state’s rich history and provide resources for all North Carolinians. Third graders at Exploris Elementary recently took advantage of these history-rich spaces to learn about Civil Rights in North Carolina.
History You Can Touch
For too long, the history, culture, and natural wonders of this state have been waiting quietly, hidden in plain sight. The truth is that North Carolina holds some of the greatest treasures in the country. I’ve recently learned about some of the ways the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) is creating spaces that share these treasures, tell the stories of this state, honor its past, and provide experiences that change the way students see the place they call home.