Guadalupe Trabold is a pillar in the teaching ranks at East Lee Middle School where she currently serves as a seventh grade math teacher. She has been a part of Lee County Schools for all 20 years of her career in education, starting out as an English as a Second Language (ESL) assistant for the first year and a half of her time in the district.
It was as an ESL Assistant, with a little encouragement from Angel Mills, the ESL Instructor at East Lee at the time, that Trabold discovered her gift for teaching math, transitioning into teaching through lateral entry and additional education at Fayetteville State and UNC-Pembroke.
Originally from Mexico, coming to North Carolina with her husband from Southern California in the early 2000's, Trabold is now the Math Department Chair at East Lee, mentoring fellow teachers and still participates in the High School Summer Program that supports ESL students from across the district. Take a few minutes to get to know Mrs. Trabold and see what drives her to keep serving students each day at East Lee.
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Q: What originally drew you to Lee County Schools? What has kept you here all these years?
Trabold: "I moved to North Carolina from California in 2002 with my husband. Although my background is in accounting and finance, I soon realized that my true passion lies in teaching."
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of your journey? What has motivated you to continue your work here?
Trabold: "One of the most rewarding parts of my career is seeing former students, who often share what they are doing now and take the time to thank me. I feel very proud of their success, knowing that I contributed a tiny little part to their journey.
I truly love what I do. I am fortunate to know many dedicated teachers here in Lee County, many of whom I also consider friends. Some of them even taught my own son, who is now in college, and I will always be grateful for the impact they had on his education."
Q: What has been the most rewarding aspect of watching students grow and succeed during your time at Lee County Schools?
Trabold: "Knowing that students are successful in their careers. Become good citizens and good parents themselves."
Q: If there is one thing you could tell future employees about this district, what would it be?
Trabold: "Teaching is a rewarding profession — not in terms of money, but in the connections you build and the lives you influence. You have the opportunity to meet so many young individuals, some of whom you will watch grow into successful adults, parents, and even teachers themselves."
