From Career Pivot to Calling: How One Educator Turned Uncertainty Into Impact

“If you had asked 17-year-old me whether he thought he would become a teacher, the answer would have been an easy no,” said Andre’ Wise, math teacher and math resource teacher at Damascus High School. “If you were to ask 50-year-old me what he would change, it would be to knock some sense into his 17-year-old self.”

For nearly two decades, Wise has dedicated his career to supporting students across MCPS. His journey began at Lois P. Rockwell Elementary School, followed by roles at Neelsville Middle School and Roberto W. Clemente Middle School before joining Damascus.

Teaching wasn’t always part of his plan. After studying sports management at Towson University, he worked in media relations for an investment management group and NFL team. While those roles offered professional opportunities, he realized something was missing.

“I wasn’t making the kind of impact I wanted in life… that realization led me back to education,” Wise said.

That moment of clarity ultimately led him back to education, first as a paraeducator with Anne Arundel County Public Schools and later earning his teaching credentials through University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Throughout his career, mentors have played a meaningful role. 

“I cannot pick just one person, as several individuals have shaped my work as an educator,” Wise said. 

Early encouragement from Cheryl Clark, former principal of Rockwell, helped launch his teaching career, while leaders from Damascus, Kevin Yates, former principal, and Brad Rohner, current principal, supported his growth into instructional leadership.

For Wise, visibility is a theme that connects both his teaching and his reflection on Black History Month. As a math teacher, he appreciates that math makes student thinking visible, allowing him to see students’ understanding develop as they build confidence.

“I find joy in supporting students as they struggle with a concept until they reach that moment of clarity, when everything comes together,” he said. “It is those moments, when confidence replaces hesitation, that are energizing for me as a teacher. Math offers daily opportunities to witness growth in real time.” 

That same idea extends beyond the classroom. He believes representation matters deeply in education. 

“Black History Month is a time to honor the resilience, brilliance, and contributions of Black people whose stories have too often been overlooked,” Wise said. As an educator, it reinforces my responsibility to be visible and intentional. For Black students, representation matters; seeing educators who share aspects of their identity affirms that they belong, that their voices matter, and that their aspirations are valid.”

Wise creates environments where students feel seen, supported and empowered to succeed. Damascus holds an annual African American Heritage Assembly led by Black student leaders, a daytime program featuring performances, storytelling and cultural celebration.

“I am always encouraged by how open and receptive the student body is to the performances and perspectives shared,” Wise said.

Beyond the classroom, coaching remains another passion. After many years of coaching and playing soccer, Wise serves as the head coach for flag football at Damascus where the focus extends beyond athletics to personal growth, teamwork and character development. 

“For me, coaching is about helping others grow,” Wise said. “It’s about shaping people, not just athletes.”

He was initially invited to join the program as offensive coordinator by his friend Jeremy Spoales and took over as head coach in its second year. With assistant coaches Al Song and Chad Mack, the program continues to build momentum. He has also had opportunities to attend training camps and learn from players and coaches across the National Football League.

“Our goal is simple,” he said “To be better each day and to elevate the program to the best of our ability.”

At the heart of everything he does is family. Wise often reflects on the grounding support of his loved ones — his wife and daughters — and credits them as the foundation of who he is and a steady source of support in his work.

“ Teaching, coaching and serving others give me purpose—and I can’t imagine doing anything else.”