Employee Spotlight: Deidre Wood

Get to know one of CFCC’s math instructors, Deidre Wood! After more than 12 years commuting to Jacksonville, Deidre joined CFCC’s math department to be closer to family. Her classes are known for their supportive and encouraging atmosphere. She cheers on every student, especially those who come in feeling anxious about math. Read more about her journey, teaching inspirations, and some unexpected hobbies!

What year did you start working at CFCC, and what brought you here?

I started working at CFCC in January 2020. After commuting daily to Coastal Carolina Community College in Jacksonville for over 12 years, I decided that it was time to spend less time in the car each day and more time with family. When a position opened up at CFCC, I applied, was granted an interview, and was offered the opportunity to join the math department. What a blessing that has been for me and my family!

What do you enjoy most about your work?

I enjoy teaching, especially when students interact with me in class. When students ask for clarification and have questions, I know that they are actively engaged, and it helps me adjust on the spot to make it more meaningful for them. Plus, I feel like an energy is created in the class when students actively participate. When that energy is palpable, the class just flies by, and it surprises everyone!

I also enjoy being a cheerleader for my students. Many students come into math feeling anxious, but if they are willing to do the work, I will cheer them on and support them in achieving their academic goals. Having students say they finally understand math is always very satisfying!

When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing?

I enjoy spending time with my family and my two fur babies. Stevie Rose is a Chiweenie and Foxy Mae is a Chihuahua/Pekingese mix. They are both rescues, and my husband and I feel like we hit the lottery with these two. I keep them busy with play dates, and walks, and I even dress them up from to time! Of course, I have to share pictures of them in their outfits with my classes!

Who had the greatest influence on your education or career path?

I had several teachers along the way who really inspired me as an educator, and I like to think that I bring a little bit of each one of them to the classroom with me each day. I knew that I wanted to be a teacher since the second grade. As I progressed through school, my focus on what grade I wanted to teach kept changing until I entered high school and found math to be my true calling.

I had an excellent partnership teacher, Mrs. Tinga, who I worked with while I did my student teaching at Laney High School. No doubt about it, she taught me how to teach. I would watch her and not think so much about the math but rather the progression of the lesson and how she structured the material so that students could build on their skills, take in small pieces at a time, and ultimately arrive at the end learning objective. Students were never overwhelmed by her style because teaching was her craft. Mrs. Tinga always told me that students related well to me because I broke the material down in a way that they could understand. For me, I saw it as me doing my best to emulate the talent that I was witnessing from her!

What is something not many people know about you?

Most people are surprised to learn I love zip lines and riding Segways off-road. Although I have to admit that I don’t get to do it as often as I used to, I still seek it out when traveling.

Degrees, certificates, or professional organizations?

• I hold a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Mathematics from UNCW.
• I am a member of the NCMATYC (North Carolina Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges).