Heather Puhl is a Beginning Teacher Mentor for teachers in grades Pre-K through 12 in the Caldwell County School System. She has been working in the field of education for over 25 years. She was born and raised in Gastonia, NC, where her family still resides. She was awarded a NC Teaching Fellows Scholarship to attend East Carolina University. She received a BS in Middle Grades Education (with concentrations in math and science) and a Master's degree in Science Education from ECU in 1996 and 1999, respectively. She also completed the licensure requirements for School Administration from Appalachian State University in 2010.
She has earned National Board Certification in Early Adolescence Math and has completed the renewal process to maintain certification. Heather leads district-wide sessions for National Board Support during the school year for any Caldwell County teacher who is pursuing certification.
Throughout her career, she has taught at the middle school level in several areas across the state. She has also worked as an Instructional Coach and a Math Content Specialist before becoming employed as a Beginning Teacher Mentor in Caldwell County Schools in 2010.
Contact Information:
Email: hpuhl@caldwellschools.com
Office Phone: 828-728-8407 ext. 140137

Nancy has 27 years in education as a teacher, literacy specialist, coach and mentor.
After 17 years as a kindergarten teacher, Nancy became a literacy specialist. In this role she received specialized training and served on various teams and committees at the local and regional level. She has extensive experience in curriculum design, leading professional development, K-2 assessment administration and interpretation, data analysis, and literacy domains. In her professional roles, she has worked closely with beginning teachers, veteran teachers, administrators and district leaders.
Contact Information:
Office Phone: 828-728-8407 ext. 140112
Email: nphipps@caldwellschools.com

Denise Allen has been in education for 20 years. She earned her Bachelor's of Science degree in Earth Science Education from Appalachian State University and her Master's degree in Executive Leadership in Education from Gardner Webb University. 

She taught high school science for 14 years, 10 of which was in an innovative high school where she learned the value of professional collaboration to improve instructional practice. She has served in high school administration where she was in charge of professional development, curriculum and instruction and testing. She is now serving as one of Caldwell County’s beginning teacher mentors. Her skills include leading others to use effective instructional design for engagement in the classroom and in using technology to enhance engagement and learning. She has trained with the Buck Institute for Education in developing and using project-based learning and is certified in Coaching for Understanding through Harvard WorldWide . Her professional passions include teacher development and innovative teaching practices. She is most passionate about helping teachers become confident, innovative leaders in the education profession. In her downtime she loves hiking, reading, traveling and watching soccer with her husband and 3 boys.
Contact Information:
Office Phone: 828-728-8407 ext. 140135
Email: deallen@caldwellschools.com