Bio

As Associate Director, Mark Townley helps manage all aspects of program operations, including teacher recruitment, summer industry immersion oversight, professional development and project design. Mark started his career as a lateral entry teacher at Lee County Sr. High School, where he taught for seven years before moving to Holly Springs High School in Wake County.

A classroom educator for 20 years, Mark taught Earth/Environmental Science, AP Environmental Science and AP Research. As an award-winning educator, he has worked with multiple statewide agencies to create curricula and professional development and advocate for the teaching profession. He even served on the Governor’s Teacher Advisory Committee under former Governor Roy Cooper. He holds a B.A. in Geology from NC State University.