Third generation teacher receives tools for career from PDCCC
Published 1:56 pm Saturday, December 1, 2018
by Wendy Harrison
VIRGINIA BEACH
Whether Jean Stokes-Warren’s propensity for teaching is an inherited instinct or a learned behavior is really irrelevant, as it could have occurred either way. The 2008 Paul D. Camp Community College graduate had a niche carved out for her all along.
PDCCC graduate Jean Stokes-Warren will complete a master’s degree in special education in 2019. — Submitted | Jean Stokes-Warren
“I was destined to become a teacher,” Stokes-Warren said. “My mother and grandmother were teachers for Isle of Wight County Public Schools. My sister and aunt are also teachers for Portsmouth Public Schools.”
The Isle of Wight County native was working at Happy Hearts Child Care Center in Windsor as a teacher and assistant director when she decided that she wanted to earn a degree in the field. She enrolled at Paul D. Camp and earned her associate degree in Early Childhood Development in 2009 all while holding down two jobs, being a mother and a newlywed.
“The teachers and staff gave me motivation and support needed to reach my fullest potential,” she said. “I believe that the foundation for my success, maturity and passion began at PDCCC.”
But Stokes-Warren’s academic aspirations stretched beyond that initial goal. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Ashford University in 2012 and is enrolled at Northcentral University.
“I will receive my master’s degree in special education in June 2019,” said Stokes-Warren. “Once that goal is met, I’ll just need to pass my teacher licensure exams.”
The 42-year-old has worked at SECEP as a teacher assistant; Rivers Bend Academy as a special education teacher; the Salvation Army as an education coordinator; and presently is employed at Portsmouth Public School as a special education teacher.
“PDCCC paved the way for these wonderful opportunities,” she said. “The college gives you the tools you need to get ahead. I am excited that my daughter, Ashley, has chosen PDCCC for a quality, affordable education as well.
“Her time there allowed her to mature into a responsible adult. The small classrooms and one-on-one instruction have helped her successfully transfer to a four-year school.”
For more information about the Early Childhood Development program at PDCCC, email Antoinette “Toni” Johnson at ajohnson@pdc.edu or visit www.pdc.edu.
WENDY HARRISON is the public relations specialist at Paul D. Camp Community College. She can be reached at wharrison@pdc.edu.
