Vernestine Payne started her educational career as a substitute teacher in 1994. I soon became a teacher assistant and later, a Special Education teacher. My desire to help promote student excellence inspired me to obtain my master’s in School Counseling. My devotion to being a life long learner influenced me to obtain a certification in Education Leadership. My educational experiences have afforded me the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of people to meet the common goal of increasing student achievement and well-being.