Elena Bell has covered some ground. Maybe that’s part of the reason she’s had success as a history teacher.
Elena, who was born in Puerto Rico, is in her first year of teaching at the new Moore Innovative High School. After moving to Chicago at an early age, she lived in the Windy City until she was about 13. Her family then relocated to Homestead, Fla.
A graduate of Fayetteville State, where she majored in communications, Elena grew up wanting to be a television reporter, specifically covering events overseas. Ultimately, she landed an internship with ABC News.
Difficulty finding a position in the ultra-competitive broadcast field, however, frustrated her dreams. While working at a restaurant in Fayetteville, she became acquainted with print journalists from the area. An offer was made to join the newspaper industry.
“I was a reporter at the Fayetteville Observer for about three years,” Elena said.
The time she spent with the paper led to more questions than answers. It wasn’t something she envisioned doing on a long-term basis.
“I always loved history,” Elena, who’s earned a master’s in history from UNC Wilmington, said. “I ended up being a teacher.”
Now in her 18th year of teaching, she’s in her 11th year as an instructor in Moore County. Before joining Moore Innovative High for its initial year, she taught for 10 years at Pinecrest High School.
As a teacher, there are several attributes she brings to the classroom. She talked about what’s allowed her to thrive.
“I think loving the kids,” she said. “I also have a passion for history.”
Helping students grasp material is only part of the equation. For Elena, this is far from a one-way street.
“They’ve (the students) made an impact on my life,” she admitted. “It’s such a rewarding profession. I’m still passionate about it.”
With fewer students than at Pinecrest, Moore Innovative enhances the chances to establish connections. Located on the campus of Sandhills Community College, the school had 65 students when it opened doors last August.
“Our staff is great,” Elena said. “I know the students, so I can talk to the other teachers. You can’t do that at a big school.”
The purpose behind Moore Innovative is to prepare students for jobs that don’t necessarily require advanced education.
“Our mission is to get these kids ready,” Elena informed. “They graduate with a trade.”
Should more campus learning be desired, graduates may enroll at a four-year school or in a two-year program, like those available at Sandhills Community College.
Given her own beginnings, Elena knows not everyone is inclined or able to take extensive academic journeys.
“I was the first one in my family to graduate (from college),” she said.
While the school year nears its end, Elena has no intention of shifting gears. A variety of things keep her busy throughout the summer.
“I love to read. During the summer, I’ll read like 30 books,” she said. “I’m in two different book clubs. I’m in a book club with moms. I’m in another with younger people.”
She also has a second job in the summer.
A love for travel has her hoping to skip town for a bit.
“I’ll try to get some trips in this summer,” she said.
If you have a teacher you would like to nominate to be showcased in this series, please email [email protected].
Feature photo: Elena Bell (second from left) and her family. Contributed photo.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Dave Lukow. Dave has been honored as both a lyricist and screenwriter. Among other publications he’s contributed to are the Buffalo News, JD Journal, Beckett Hockey, Seminole Player’s Life, Poker Pro, Walmart World, and All In.
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