After graduating from Lincoln Charter in 2020, Emerson Crichton went on to Wake Forest University, where she earned her undergraduate degree in 2024. She then completed her Master’s in Education with an impressive 3.9 GPA. During her graduate studies, Emerson was honored with the Linda B. and Howard Stern Family Foundation Award, which recognizes outstanding seniors in education. 

Like many students, she began her college journey unsure of the career path she wanted to pursue. After exploring her options, Emerson quickly discovered that education was where her heart belonged. “I think one of the biggest milestones I had was finally figuring out the education path was for me,” Emerson recalls. “I always remember my friends telling me it was ’about time’ when I figured it out because I always talked about school and teaching.” 

At Wake Forest, Emerson was surrounded by professors and mentors who helped her grow, as well as classmates who inspired her and pushed her forward. “Wake Forest offered so many amazing mentors, friends, and experiences that really pushed me to be the teacher and individual I am today,” she says. 

One highlight of her graduate studies was conducting and publishing her own research. Emerson spent four months collecting data at a local public high school in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School, where she studied the effects of Guided Free Writing on high school students’ relationships with writing. 

“I spent months collecting data on how free writing can foster a better relationship between student and academic writing,” she explains. “Students found writer identities and confidence in their writing when given time to write freely or about silly things - versus always writing in a purely academic way. The results were outstanding and really proved to be beneficial for the students.” 

Now, Emerson is putting her passion into practice as she teaches 10th and 11th grade English at a Winston-Salem/Forsyth County high school. “I LOVE it,” she says enthusiastically. “The kids are all so amazing, and the teachers have been so wonderful to work with.”

Looking back, Emerson sees a direct connection between her current path and her years at Lincoln Charter. “LCS being a college prep school was very important in terms of making it through college successfully,” she reflects. “I never found the workload too overwhelming, and the expectations at Charter were similar to those my professors held.” 

More than academics, though, it was the teachers at Lincoln Charter who left a lasting impact on Emerson’s academics and personal growth. “The staff at Charter, specifically my English teachers, are the reason I am teaching high school literature today,” Emerson shares. “I think of Mrs. Williams and Mrs. Sundry, and can picture exact classes or lessons that left an impact. I know what impact a teacher can have, and I believe it is my turn to give back the support and mentorship that was given to me.”

Emerson’s long-term goal is to return to graduate school to pursue a PhD and eventually teach at the university level. For now, though, she is embracing her time in the classroom. Outside of school, Emerson enjoys life in Winston Salem, where she has built a strong community of friends. She also loves spending time with her dog, who keeps her on her toes with boundless energy. Trips home to Denver to visit family are always a priority. “Currently, I am doing my best to focus on the now,” Emerson says. “I am happy and content with life and teaching in Winston Salem!” 

Lincoln Charter is proud to spotlight Emerson Crichton, Class of 2020. From a student inspired by her teachers to an educator inspiring the next generation, Emerson’s story shows the lasting power of mentoring, hard work, and passion. 

Check out Emerson’s research paper here, “The Influence of Guided Free Writing on Student Interest in Writing”.