NC New Teacher Support Program
The Appalachian State Region of NC New Teacher Support provides coaching for teachers in their first, second, or third year of teaching. Services include:
- Weekly coaching for each teacher,
- Professional development, and
- An annual Beginning Teacher Summit.
To add NC New Teacher Support services for your district, contact us at partnership@appstate.edu.
Meet our Coaches
Dr. Caroline Beam is a North Carolina New Teacher Support Coach with Appalachian State University. She partners with teachers to explore their professional goals by foregrounding their strengths and fostering growth. Caroline believes that beginning teachers bring valuable experiences, knowledge, and understanding that support both student learning and their own development as leaders.
She has supported teachers in Elkin City Schools, Yadkin County Schools, Hickory City Schools, Wilkes County Schools, and The Academy at Middle Fork.
Caroline is a three-time graduate of Appalachian State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in English, secondary education; a Master of School Administration; and a Doctorate in educational leadership. As an undergraduate, she was a North Carolina Teaching Fellow.
Her licensure areas include English (9–12), Language Arts (6–9), School Administrator (Principal), and School Administrator (Superintendent). She completed the Education Policy Fellowship Program in 2022–2023 and is a Certified Critical Friends Coach.
Ike Smith is an Instructional Coach with the North Carolina New Teacher Support Program (NC NTSP) who engages teachers in reflection and growth through intentional questioning and collaboration. He believes public education is fundamental to a democratic society and that supporting beginning teachers is essential to preserving it.
Ike serves on the NC NTSP Framework Taskforce and Podcast Team. He supports teachers across the state by fostering reflective practice and building strong coaching relationships. Before joining NC NTSP, Ike taught high school English, worked in a K–12 district central office, led a support center for pre-service teachers, and served as an adjunct instructor. He continually works to improve his coaching practice by being a better listener and thought partner.
Ike was the 2013–2014 Craven County Schools Teacher of the Year, a 2020–2021 Education Policy Fellowship Program participant, and the 2020–2021 Reich College of Education Outstanding Adjunct Instructor.
He holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Julie Little is an Instructional Coach for the New Teacher Support Program, where she supports novice teachers and district partners. She provides expertise in MTSS, differentiation strategies, diverse learner support, and classroom engagement. Julie believes that education and coaching have the power to unlock human potential and drive positive transformation.
Over her 26-year career in education, Julie has served as a District Math Specialist, Academically Intellectually Gifted Specialist, mentor for new teachers, collaborative colleague, and professional development facilitator. She values the opportunity to work alongside passionate educators who inspire her commitment to excellence.
Julie is preparing to begin her doctoral studies in Curriculum and Instruction at Appalachian State University. She holds certifications in Elementary Education, AIG, and Reading (K–12). She is a National Board-Certified Educator in Early/Middle Childhood Literacy: Reading and Language Arts and a former NC Teaching Fellow.
Her academic background includes a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of North Carolina at Asheville and a Master’s degree in elementary education from Appalachian State University. She completed the Education Policy Fellowship Program in 2024–2025.
Karen Walker is an Instructional Coach for the New Teacher Support Program, where she supports student empowerment and learning by providing personalized guidance, feedback, and resources to improve instructional practices. She believes in the power of student agency, choice, and a growth mindset to enhance learning and build student confidence.
Karen serves educators in the Northwest Region of North Carolina, supporting beginning teachers, administrators, and central office staff. She provides individualized coaching, professional development, and feedback to help beginning teachers thrive. She is currently working to support more teachers in her region in attaining National Board Certification and serves on the NBCT Board at Appalachian State University.
Karen is a National Board-Certified Teacher and has served as District Teacher of the Year, Board Member of NCCTM, and Trainer for the NC School Health Training Center. She completed the Education Policy Fellowship Program in 2022–2023.
She earned a Bachelor of Science in middle grades education (mathematics and English language arts) and a Master of Arts in middle grades education from Appalachian State University. Her certifications include AIG, Health Education (K–12), and Driver’s Education.
Katie Matthews is an Instructional Coach for the New Teacher Support Program (NC NTSP). She believes in cultivating authentic relationships through collaboration, support, and shared experiences to positively impact student achievement and teacher retention.
Katie draws on her 26 years of classroom experience to design practical professional development and learning series that can be implemented immediately. She is currently focused on building coaching strategies that promote best practices and support the longevity of career educators.
Katie is a National Board-Certified Teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Science in elementary education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master of Arts in education in curriculum, instruction, and supervision from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She has taught in Wake County, Richmond City Schools, and Watauga County.
Her recognitions include the 2018 NC K–6 Presidential Award of Excellence in Math and Science Teaching, the 2015 Burroughs Wellcome Career Award for STEM Teaching, and the 2013 Watauga County Teacher of the Year. She completed the Education Policy Fellowship Program in 2024–2025.
Katie is a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Teaching Society, co-chair of the App State Beginning Teacher Summit Team, and a member of the NC NTSP Research and Evaluation Team.