Eric Rowe - English III & IV

Teacher Eric Rowe has has taught at JD Clement Early College for the past 3 years, but has been in education for almost fifteen years. Rowe has a B.S. in English & Literature, an M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership, and an M.S. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Rowe started teaching in Fayetteville, NC with Cumberland County Schools after graduating from Fayetteville State University. After four years with CCS, he worked in both Wake and Durham before starting with Pearson in virtual education. After 8 years in virtual education with Pearson, Mr. Rowe worked for a charter school in an administrative role developing a MakerSpace. In the Fall of 2021, Mr. Rowe came to JD Clement Early College High School. In addition to being an outstanding English teacher, he sponsors the Student Government Association, mentors new English teachers, leads the student engagement committee, hosts fun events such as the student Uno competition, and even cooks and prepares delicious taco bars for his colleagues. Mr. Rowe is an advocate for the development of communication and voice, equity in the classroom, diversity and inclusion, and providing students with a sense of belonging. When asked why he began teaching, Mr. Rowe said, "I started teaching because Connie Whaley did not care that I was unconcerned with being a good student; she pushed me beyond what I thought I could achieve. I decided to be a teacher because I hope a student will one day feel or say something similar about me.

Deborah Jenkins - Receptionist

Ms. Deborah Jenkins is a native of Durham, NC and graduated from DTCC in 1979 acquiring her LPN Nursing degree. She practiced nursing in Durham County for over 32 years, was member of the Licensed Practical Nurse Association (LPNA ) and served in many officer positions, including President of the National Federation of the Practical Nurses Association. For 8 years, she served on the North Carolina Board of Nursing which produced rules and regulations for school nurses , colleges, and all licensed nurses within the state. After retiring in 2012 she has worked in various school capacities including Pearsontown Elementary, but in August of 2023, she became a member of the JD Clement Early College family as the front desk receptionist. Although her tenure at ECHS has been brief, Ms. Jenkins' compassion, good energy, and innate helpful spirit has transformed the culture of our school and everyone that comes into the main office is greeted with consistent kindness and professionalism. This Durham native is child # 4 of 15 siblings. Ms. Jenkins has 1 daughter , 6 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.