District 7 Director
Andrea Gladden
Biography
Andrea Gladden, a space enthusiast and teacher leader, has taught hands-on science and STEM for over 24 years. She teaches Project Lead the Way and CTE with grades 6-8 at East Burke Middle School in Burke County. There, she facilitates Design and Modeling, Energy and the Environment, and Automation and Robotics. She also integrates CORE curriculum concepts through engineering, inquiry, project, and problem-based learning. Gladden serves as a coach for the middle school team for the Morganton Arts, Design, and Engineering Competition and the EBMS Robotics Team. Mrs. Gladden has a Master's degree in Elementary Education K-6 from Appalachian State University with certifications in AIG K-12 and Technology Education. She also has National Board Certification. Gladden was chosen to attend Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy in 2012 in Jersey City, New Jersey. Afterwards, she began pursuing high quality professional development that transformed her teaching and student learning. She was a case study teacher for the E4 Engineering Research Study with NC State University and the Museum of Science in Boston. She is a certified Engineering is Elementary Facilitator and received the NCSTA District 7 Outstanding Elementary Science Teacher Award in 2018. Gladden is an active NC Energy Literacy Fellow Alumni and was chosen as the Burke County Public Schools District Teacher of the Year in 2020. She was also a state finalist for the Presidential Award of Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching in Secondary Education for 2021. Gladden received recognition as one of the top 24 teachers in North Carolina for the NCCAT CTE Teacher of the Year 2023. She was also honored to be chosen as a recipient of the Burroughs Wellcome Fund Career Award for STEM Teachers. Most recently, Andrea was chosen to attend a 2-week STEM Study Tour in Germany through the Transatlantic Outreach Study Program. Gladden leads at the district, state, and national levels by facilitating STEM-related professional development workshops at conferences and through collaborative webinars. She also organizes and hosts middle school summer engineering camps within her district.
Mission Statement
I am an innovative STEM educator committed to advancing STEM education through hands-on, student-centered learning experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving. Through leadership in engineering design, sustainability, robotics, energy education, drone technology, and interdisciplinary STEM integration, I strive to empower both students and educators to think critically and engage meaningfully with real-world challenges. As a 24-year veteran teacher leader, I am dedicated to fostering networking and collaboration among educators, expanding equitable access to high-quality STEM opportunities, and supporting professional growth through mentorship, advocacy, and innovative instructional practices. My mission is to inspire future-ready learners and to strengthen STEM teaching and learning in Western North Carolina.
Christy Hall
Biography
Christy J. Hall is a dedicated and accomplished educator at Alexander Early College, part of Alexander County Schools in Taylorsville, North Carolina. With over 20 years of classroom experience, Ms. Hall currently teaches Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry, challenging students to think critically and pursue scientific inquiry at the highest levels. Ms. Hall has distinguished herself as a leader both within her school and across the broader science education community. She currently serves as Department Chair and is an active member of the School Improvement Team (SIT), contributing meaningfully to instructional leadership and school-wide decision-making.
Conference Presentations & Professional Engagement
• Presenter, AIG (Academically and Intellectually Gifted) Conference
• Presenter, NCTIES (NC Technology in Education Society) Conference
• Presenter, ACT (Advanced Content and Teaching) Conference
Honors & Affiliations
• Two-Time Teacher of the Year
• NESST Teacher Ambassador, Smithsonian Institute
• GEMS Teacher — U.S. Army Educational Outreach Program, 3 years
• Wayground Ambassador and Summer Employee
• Teacher, WorldView TSI — University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 5 years
• ACS High Country STEM Leadership Team — District-level STEM leadership representative
Through her work as a Smithsonian NESST Ambassador, GEMS teacher, and STEM leadership team member, Ms. Hall has consistently extended her impact beyond the classroom — inspiring underrepresented students, shaping curriculum, and serving as a bridge between education and the broader scientific community.
Mission Statement
My mission as District Director for the North Carolina Science Teachers Association is to elevate the science teaching profession by connecting, empowering, and advocating for educators across our district — ensuring that every science teacher has the tools, support, and community they need to inspire the next generation of scientific thinkers. Throughout my 20+ years in education, I have witnessed firsthand how access to rigorous, inquiry-based science instruction transforms students. I have made it my life's work to champion that transformation — through rigorous honors coursework, hands-on STEM outreach, cross-disciplinary conferences, and collaborative leadership. As a Smithsonian NESST Ambassador, I have helped bridge the gap between cutting-edge science and classroom practice. As a GEMS teacher and STEM Leadership Team member, I have worked to ensure that all students — particularly underrepresented youth — see themselves as scientists. As District Director, I will bring that same commitment to our region's science educators. My priorities will include:
• Professional Development: Creating meaningful, teacher-driven PD opportunities that reflect the real challenges and opportunities in today's science classrooms.
• Curriculum Support: Helping teachers navigate evolving standards and integrate innovative, inquiry-based instructional strategies.
• Amplifying Voices: Ensuring that district teachers have a seat at the table in state-level conversations about science education policy and practice.
• Community Building: Fostering a strong, collaborative network among science educators in our district so that no teacher feels isolated in their work.
• Student-Centered Advocacy: Keeping the focus on what matters most — equipping students with the scientific literacy and critical thinking skills they need to thrive.
I believe that great science education does not happen in isolation — it happens when passionate educators come together with shared purpose. I am ready to serve, to listen, and to lead. It would be an honor to represent our district's science teachers as the next NCSTA District Director.
Paige Jackson
Biography
Licensure
Science 9-12 Effective Date- 11/18/2023 Expiration 6/30/2028
Science 6-9 Effective Date- 07/01/2021
Education
Gardner-Webb University, Boiling Springs NC
M.A. Curriculum Leadership and Instructional Coaching Expected Summer 2027
Pathway to Practice for Teacher Licensure June 2022
Appalachian State University, Boone NC May 2017
Bachelor of Science, Healthcare Management
Internship- May- August 2016
Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine Supervised under Education Program Officer
Mitchell Community College, Statesville NC
Certified Nurse’s Assistant Certification May 2015
Associate of Science May 2015
Collaborative College for Technology and Leadership (CCTL) Early College HS
May 2015
Work Experience
Secondary Science Teacher
- Alexander Central High School August 2022- Current
Science Teacher 7th/8th Grade
- West Rowan Middle School February 2022- July 2022
- East Iredell Middle School August 2020-January 2022
Allison Woods Outdoor Learning Center Education Director April 2014-April 2020
Additional Experience
Allison Woods Outdoor Learning Center Board Treasurer Present
Kenan Fellow for Teacher Leadership- NC State University June 2025-Present
Energy Literacy Fellow- UNC Chapel Hill Office of the Environment July 2023- May 2024