Scott Williford got an early start on the 2026-27 academic year. A seventh-grade teacher at STARS Charter School in Vass, Scott didn’t wait until the last minute to get ready for classes to resume. The graduate of UNC Greensboro puts an emphasis on preparation.
Having technical skills makes getting a jump easier.
“I’ve made my copies for the upcoming year,” Scott said over the summer. “I do as much in advance as I can. I’ve done a lot digitally for a long time.”
Having computer skills hasn’t hindered his interpersonal aptitude. In fact, unplanned interactions are one of his favorite parts of teaching.
“They are all unpredictable – at any age group,” Scott, who was born in Fairfax, Va., said. “They are the most fun.”
At STARS, Scott instructs four sections, each with about 25 students. He currently handles one subject.
“I’ve taught English and history,” he said. “I’m currently teaching just social studies, from the 1400s to the present day.”
Where he starts with material varies according to what those in class have already learned.
“I may have to do a little more background,” Scott said. “I kind of see where they got to.”
While there’s been slight variation in subjects, the level of learners has stayed constant.
“I’ve only taught seventh grade,” Scott, who’s in his 14th year of teaching, said.
For the first 10 years of his career, he taught at Crain’s Creek Middle.
Thinking about a career path happened before he graduated from high school.
“I wasn’t giving it full thought until my junior or senior year,” Scott said.
Prior to teaching academic subjects, he taught another discipline. It proved to be inspiring.
“I got the idea from teaching taekwondo,” Scott, the owner of a black belt in the Korean martial art, said.
Some may argue Scott’s teaching approach is a product – at least to an extent – of involvement in martial arts.
“I kind of let things develop as they should,” he said. “The idea is they’re making a lot of different choices for the first time. I’ve been told patience is a natural for me.”
Patience isn’t something Scott limits to the classroom.
“It’s showing patience to both students and parents,” he said. “We try to make them (parents) feel better as well.”
Understanding where students are at, and where everyone needs to be, is a key part of the plan.
“Can we get on the same page? That’s the only way we can get to the content,” Scott said.
Years spent in the field have provided perspective.
“For me, I went in at 21, so much of it was working with different kinds of people,” Scott said. “I definitely feel way more comfortable.”
Being able to rely on other instructors makes it easier.
“I’ve been able to work with a bunch of teachers,” Scott advised. “Having that resource makes me feel more comfortable.”
Becoming a resource for co-workers, due to what’s been available on his own journey, is important to Scott.
“I’ve tried to do that as much as I can,” he said. “They shared so many things with me for so long.”
If you have a teacher you would like to nominate to be showcased in this series, please email [email protected].
Contributed photo of Scott Williford.
~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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