As a Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher who launched an E-sports team at his school, Eli Mauck is no stranger to technology. But even with a strong tech background, he found plenty to learn during his time at “Prompt to Product: Creating Resources Using AI”, a professional development program at the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) in Cullowhee.
Mauck joined educators from across North Carolina for a weeklong deep dive into the power of artificial intelligence. The session explored AI’s role in literacy, art, and music, while also helping teachers create personalized tools for their classrooms. The hands-on, collaborative environment gave educators a safe space to explore fast-changing technologies, with the time and support to apply them meaningfully.
“Even as someone who’s always looking for the next big thing in technology, I still learned so much I didn’t know,” Mauck said. “This face-to-face learning was way more valuable than just clicking through a video. It was impactful. As teachers, sometimes you need a spark—and this was it for me.”
Mauck teaches at Nantahala School in Macon County, a small, rural K–12 school with just over 100 students. The close-knit setting allows him to form strong relationships with students, something he values deeply.
“I do bus duty, so I see every kid coming in each day,” he said. “Every senior who graduates, I’ve known since kindergarten. You get to know them in a way that’s special.”
That same sense of connection inspired him to start an E-sports team, giving students of all skill levels a chance to collaborate, compete, and grow together. “It’s a great opportunity to learn and improve as a group and individually,” he said.
Though he had previously attended NCCAT for one-day programs, this was Mauck’s first time participating in a full-week residential session. The extended format allowed him to fully immerse himself in learning, connect with peers, and return to school energized and equipped with new strategies.
“NCCAT is a place where you can really focus on getting better at your craft,” he said. “You don’t have the day-to-day distractions—no bus duty, no weed-eating after school—you just dive into the topic. You can collaborate or work solo, and you walk away feeling appreciated as a teacher and ready to make a difference in your classroom.”
Interested educators can view upcoming NCCAT programs on the calendar of programs.
Mauck encourages all teachers to take advantage of the opportunity: “It’s a great service to educators. You’ll find it incredibly valuable—and so will your students.”
Check out a video interview with Eli at our NCCAT Instagram - @nccatnews.