October 2025 Spotlight

Hertford County Public Schools would like to thank East Carolina University Athletics for supporting our spotlight winners with tickets to a Pirate football game! 

 

 

Joebert Demotica, one of the beginning teachers at Early College High School, has already made a wonderful impression in the classroom. Inspired to become a teacher by his passion for helping others learn and his belief that education has the power to change lives, Mr. Joebert Demotica has embraced the joys and challenges of his first years in the classroom. Mr. Demotica says, “When I was a student, I had teachers who made learning exciting and meaningful. They didn’t just teach lessons; they built confidence and opened doors to new possibilities. That experience motivated me to do the same for my students.”

While adjusting to the start of their career, Mr. Demotica has also discovered how differently every student learns. Some need more time or different ways to understand a lesson. It made me realize that teaching isn’t just about giving information, it’s about finding the best way to help each student succeed. Looking ahead, they hope to grow by learning more ways to engage my students and make math more meaningful for them. I also want to improve how I support different learners in my class so everyone can feel confident and successful in math.

We are thrilled to celebrate Mr. Joebert Demotica as our Beginning Teacher Spotlight for October!

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Hailing from the Philippines, Ms. EJ Tumanda brings a wealth of cultural experience to Hertford County High School. Ms. Tumanda’s journey to teaching here began when a family friend told her about an opening here in Hertford County, and she thought she’d give it a shot—a little break from the desert life. Ms. Tumanda states, “I feel really lucky to have landed in a place where admin support is paramount (Shout out to our principal, APs, coach, and mentor! We can’t survive these couple of months without you!), and I truly appreciate the slower pace and the break from the hustle and bustle of the city.”

In the classroom, Ms. Tumanda values the chance to step out of her comfort zone. She shares, “I enjoy messing up (my coach knows this) because it means I get to get back up, try again, and see myself improve. I’ve also had fun trying out new things with the students, like tasting Takis (my taste buds were definitely not ready!), listening to one of their song recommendations (Everything Black is my fave so far!), and joining school events like homecoming dances and field trips - things I only get to see in TV shows or movies.” Ms. Tumanda likes being back at the high school level because it pushes her to step up her game and rediscover that part of her teaching journey. 

She hopes students take away not only academic knowledge but also a deeper appreciation for kindness toward others. Ms. Tumanda shares the following:

“I still remember my first day meeting my students. They asked me where I came from, and I told them I had just come from Dubai. They laughed and said I must be insane for switching places. Just last week, something similar happened. One of my students stayed behind and told me I should move as soon as I could because I’m “too kind for a place like theirs.” I smiled and told him that kindness should be everywhere; it should be the norm.

Then I added, I may not know where life will take me in the weeks, months, or years ahead, but what matters to me is this: if, at some point, someone came into your little corner of chaos and showed you grace, I hope you carry that forward and do the same for others. He smiled, then we walked together and joined in the army chaos towards the pep rally. I never thought I could get to see outside my little TV box.”

We are thrilled to celebrate Ms. EJ Tumanda as our International Teacher Spotlight for October!

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With 7 years of teaching experience, Ms. Veronica Johnson has dedicated herself not only to students but also to supporting fellow educators. Her commitment to mentoring comes from seeing how powerful guidance and support can be for both students and fellow educators. Ms. Johnson says, “When I first came here as an international teacher, mentorship played a major role in helping me settle in quickly and navigate the school environment smoothly. That experience inspired me to mentor others, because I know firsthand how sharing knowledge, strategies, and support can help colleagues grow professionally and create a collaborative environment where both teachers and students can succeed.”

Colleagues often benefit from Ms. Johnson’s advice, which includes: “Building solid relationships with students and their families from the start.”  Ms. Johnson believes that open communication and trust make the classroom a supportive place where students feel important, and builds cooperation with families.

Mentoring has also been rewarding. Ms. Johnson says mentoring has allowed her to grow both personally and professionally. She enjoys supporting international teachers as they adjust, sharing ideas, learning from their diverse cultures, and encouraging them along the way. It’s rewarding to see them grow and reach their “ah-ha” moments.

Congratulations to Ms.Veronica Johnson, our Mentor Spotlight for October!