Mrs. Joanna Langkopp: A Journey of Dedication and Perseverance

For many, the path to their dream career is a straight road. For Mrs. Joanna Langkopp, however, it has been a journey spanning over two decades, marked by perseverance, determination, and the unwavering support of her family and school community. Now completing her student teaching in a Union Academy (UA) kindergarten class, Mrs. Langkopp’s story is one of inspiration and resilience.

A Shift in Career Aspirations

Teaching wasn’t always Mrs. Langkopp’s first career choice. “When I graduated high school, I was going to go to school to be a pediatrician,” she recalls. “It wasn’t until a couple of years later that I decided I would rather be a teacher instead.” This realization set her on a path that would take years to fully unfold, but she never lost sight of her goal.

The Right Time to Finish

Mrs. Langkopp’s journey to becoming a teacher has been anything but conventional. She first attended college in 2002, but after moving to North Carolina following Hurricane Katrina and adjusting to life with a newborn, school took a backseat. Years later, she attempted again, but balancing school with young children and work proved overwhelming. It wasn’t until Fall 2021 that she decided, once and for all, to finish her degree. “I was determined to finish this time,” she says. “I also wanted to show my own girls that you can do anything you set your mind to and that through hard work and dedication, anything is possible.”

She began her journey at South Piedmont Community College (SPCC) to earn her Associate of Arts degree before enrolling in the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s TA to Teacher program.

Encouragement Along the Way

Throughout this journey, Mrs. Langkopp received an outpouring of encouragement from those around her. “Anyone who knows that I am in school has always checked in with me to see my progress and how I am doing,” she shares. Professors, friends, and colleagues consistently reminded her how proud they were of her and how inspiring her dedication has been.

Family: The Backbone of Her Success

Mrs. Langkopp credits much of her success to her family’s unwavering support. Her husband, she says, has been her biggest cheerleader. “He has picked up the slack with things around the house, helped with getting the girls places, and made sure I was getting my work done.” Even her daughters played a role—often assisting with schoolwork, especially Amanda, who helped Mrs. Langkopp navigate difficult assignments. “I could not have done this without them,” she acknowledges.

A Strong Support System at UA

The UA community has also played a crucial role in Mrs. Langkopp’s journey. It was Mr. Bretz (former LS principal) who introduced her to the program she’s in and helped her get started. Mrs. Byrd (IS Principal), a professor and mentor, has been a source of guidance, while Mrs. Morris (LS Principal) and Mrs. Yermack (LS Assistant Principal) ensured she had the support she needed throughout the year. “There have been others who have checked in with me to see if there was anything I needed help with or just to give me moral support,” Mrs. Langkopp says.

A Growing Role at UA

Mrs. Langkopps’s career at UA has evolved significantly over the years. She started as a second-grade instructional assistant, then transitioned to media assistant, followed by media coordinator. Currently, she serves as a kindergarten assistant while completing her student teaching requirements. This hands-on experience has been invaluable in shaping her teaching skills and approach.

A 23-Year Journey to Fulfillment

Though it has taken four years this time around, Mrs. Langkopp’s journey to becoming a teacher has been 23 years in the making. “It has been a long journey, and I am proud of myself for not giving up this time and seeing it through,” she says.

Student Teaching: A Transformational Experience

Her current role as a student teacher has provided immense learning opportunities. “This year has been a great learning experience,” Mrs. Langkopp says. Under the mentorship of Ms. Dahl, she has transitioned from an assistant to a more active teaching role, creating lesson plans aligned with state standards. Ms. Dahl’s guidance and feedback have helped Mrs. Langkopp refine her teaching methods and instructional planning.

“I have learned how to create lesson plans that are fun and enough of a challenge for the students,” Mrs. Langkopp explains. “She provides feedback to help me become a better teacher, whether it’s something I can do differently to benefit students or to improve my lesson plans.”

Looking Ahead

As Mrs. Langkopp nears the finish line of her long-awaited dream, she remains grateful for the support of her family and the UA community. Her journey is a testament to perseverance, resilience, and the belief that with hard work, anything is possible. Soon, she will step into her own classroom—not just as a teacher, but as a living example to her students and daughters that dreams can be achieved, no matter how long the road may be.