After 16 years as a teacher, including ten at Chapel Hill High School, Garrison Reid transitioned earlier this year from teaching Game Design and Coding to a new role as the Curriculum and Instructional Management Coordinator for Career and Technical Education (CTE).
Reid sees this opportunity as a chance to have a broader impact on students by influencing curriculum and instructional practices across the district. Although he is leaving behind the close connections of the classroom, he said his focus remains on supporting student success.
“My favorite part about teaching has always been that ‘eureka moment’ when a student understands something they hadn’t before—whether it’s their code working or a game function finally operating,” Reid said. “That’s always super exciting, and it’s definitely something I’ll miss in my new position.”
In his new role, which Reid assumed in mid-October, he oversees teaching and learning strategies for CTE courses, working with district staff to improve instructional methods and make education more accessible. He will also assist teachers in refining their curriculum and using data-driven approaches to enhance student outcomes.
This focus on data aligns with Reid’s experience in programming and data analysis. “Another exciting part of this job is that it’s very data-driven,” he said. “I’ve been working with data analysis for a few years now, so I’m really looking forward to applying those skills.”
Reid’s love for teaching is well recognized by both students and colleagues. Senior James Stats, who had Reid as a teacher last year, praised his ability to connect with students. “He always made me feel seen and helped me understand the material,” Stats said.
Fellow CTE teacher Kevin Schoden, who has worked with Reid since 2018, described him as an inspiring educator. “His passion for education and his ability to inspire both students and staff have left an indelible mark on our school community,” Schoden said.
While stepping away from classroom teaching is bittersweet, Reid is eager for the new challenges and opportunities this role offers. He believes it will allow him to expand his influence by supporting teachers who, in turn, impact thousands of students.
“I had about 130 students in my classes, and I tried to support all of them,” Reid said. “In this new role, I’ll be supporting about 35 teachers, who then support thousands of students. That will be exciting for me.”
Reid is committed to ensuring that Chapel Hill High School benefits from his leadership in this new capacity. As he takes on this broader role, he hopes to bring fresh perspectives and resources to teachers and students alike.
“My goal is to support teachers and help the school community thrive,” Reid said. “I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together.”
