FALL 2016 NEWSLETTER
A P PA L AC H I A N S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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New Dean
Scholarship Recipient Publishes Book
Alumna and Staff Spotlight
International Student Teaching Spotlight
introducing DEAN OF THE REICH COLLEGE OF EDUCATION Dr. Melba Spooner 1, 2016 started a new era in The Reich College of Education. July Dean Melba Spooner arrived on campus from Charlotte, NC.
While spending much of her higher education career at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Dr. Spooner served as a faculty member among other titles in the college of education. She served as Assistant Dean, Chair of the Department of Middle, Secondary, and K-12 Education; Associate Dean, and most recently as Senior Associate Dean. She was also the Director of Teaching Fellows and the Professional Development School Network. Dr. Spooner first began her teaching career in CharlotteMecklenburg Schools as a classroom teacher before becoming an Assistant Principal. Her vast knowledge of education from serving in various capacities has enabled Dr. Spooner to have a wide and deep perspective on educational issues as she enters each new role. As one would guess, it has been a busy fall semester for Dr. Spooner as she adapts to her new title, the mountainous terrain, and the cooler weather that Boone has to offer. Dr. Spooner’s eagerness to collaborate and build community in The Reich College of Education has been evident in the brief time since her arrival. Her weekly installment of Spoonerisms is in its infancy, but has already garnered contribution from departments across our college. The goal of this weekly newsletter is to connect our college through recognizing each other’s accomplishments. When asked how she is enjoying her time thus far, “I am really feeling energized by the people – staff, faculty, and students.
“As a Biology Secondary Ed. Major, I spend most of my time taking high school level science classes, which can be stressful. The RCOE is a good reminder that although I’m stressing out today, I get to be a teacher all of my tomorrows.” Sara Reece Senior, Curriculum & InstructionBiology Secondary Education
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Everyone is helpful and very open to sharing ideas. I sense excitement and dedication about the work we do. People are genuinely interested and committed!” The commitment is certainly reciprocated as Dr. Spooner has attended nearly every committee meeting that has occurred this fall. Understanding our long tradition of having exceptional teacher preparation programs is what initially drew Dr. Spooner to The Reich College of Education. Beginning as a teacher’s college in 1899, Appalachian State has grown to be one of the largest in the state. Leading undergraduates and graduates in the teaching profession, has allowed Dr. Spooner to reflect on why she selected this career in the first place. “As I began to think about a career I tried to identify where I saw the greatest need and where I believed I could make the most impact. That’s when I made the decision to get a degree in education.” Her dedication to improving education across the state is evident and we are glad Dr. Spooner has joined us as we work together to achieve the same goal. Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Darrell Kruger shares our enthusiasm for the beginning of this new era, “Melba Spooner’s dedication to education, as well as her leadership in the field, will serve her well in her new role as dean of Appalachian’s Reich College of Education. I am confident she will be an outstanding leader for our talented faculty, staff and students.”
“There is constantly something going on in Reich College of Education. Camps in the summer, where children are running around learning and growing, students and noise buzzing in the fall and spring, and professors who are welcoming and willing to help. My friends are here, my education is here, Reich College of Education has something to offer for everyone.” Jennifer Jacobs Graduate Student, HPC-Professional and School Counseling
SECU APPALACHIAN PARTNERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT PUBLISHES FIRST BOOK “Education has always been one of the foundations upon which a successful society is built, and I wanted to continue the tradition of fostering the minds of the next generation,” notes Justin Chandler, a middle grades language arts and science student.
Justin is finishing up his student teaching this fall semester with one of Appalachian’s Distance Education cohorts at Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory, North Carolina. He is also one of the recipients of the new State Employees’ Credit Union Appalachian Partnership Scholarship, a scholarship that assists students completing their teacher education degree with Appalachian’s Distance Education programs. On top of all of that, he is also the author of the recently publish book, The Guide. Justin began the story of The Guide as a short story about free will. “The basic plot elements were thought out until I heard about National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), and I became motivated to turn my short story into a full 50,000 word young adult novel as a person challenge. Making the demographic young-adult oriented just tapped into my education desire to teach middle grades.” Justin notes, “Adolescence is perhaps the most vital point in an individual’s life as it marks the transition between childhood and adulthood, therefore creating numerous variables that determine one’s physical, cognitive, and moral future.” He adds that he chose middle grades education to be “an inspiring force at that delicate age that can make the transition much more valuable and successful.” Dr. Laurie Ramirez, associate professor of middle grades, explains why the young adult (YA) genre is important to middle school students: “One of the tenets of middle level education is relevance. Middle school students, who are developing emotionally, socially, physically, and culturally, strive to find meaning in the world around them and figure out where they fit in. YA literature often addresses issues that students are experiencing and that adults in their lives are sometimes hesitant to discuss. YA is an avenue
“The Reich College of Education proudly exhibits a decorated image in the academic community. The faculty, staff, curriculum, and even the hallways highlight a diverse, cultivated, and welcoming culture that is unparalleled by any other university.” Jacob Hines Graduate Student, Reading Education and Special Education, SPE MA
for opening up conversations, whether among students or with teachers/parents, that might not otherwise happen but are extremely important for young adolescents feel affirmed and valued.” Justin hopes to incorporate excerpts of his book into his classroom to demonstrate that “creative writing does not come from wealth of money but rather wealth of creativity.” He does encourage other middle grades teachers to use the book with units on consequences, growth, and/or future. After graduation, Justin plans to teach middle grades language arts and/or science, with hopes of also coaching wrestling. He is considering a master’s in middle grades education. In terms of additional books, “Currently, there are no books lined up for me to write, but that may change when it’s closer to NaNoWriMo. I still plan to continue writing articles under my own website chanslog.wordpress.com and other organizations looking to bring me on.” As one of her students, Dr. Ramirez describes Justin as “a wonderful writer and a thoughtful, reflective student.” She adds, “He is careful with language and extremely articulate. He also has a witty, intelligent sense of humor while still being very professional. His commitment to young adolescents is clear and his dedication to teaching is exemplary. I am so proud of him and his accomplishments.” Justin gives this advice to young, aspiring writers: “Let your creativity flow in and out of your lungs; let the words you write take your breath away each time the ink hits the page; and always be willing to take chances in your writing.”
Saturday, October 29, 2016
9 a.m. Race • 10 a.m. Costume March Peacock Parking Lot, Appalachian State University
parent2parent.appstate.edu Supporting children with special needs
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alumna and staff spotlight Meet Megan Kasper
Meet Melissa Isaacs
Megan is the Assistant Director for Student Involvement and Success for the James Center for Appalachian Educators. She quickly found her niche after graduating in the spring of 2016 with her master’s degree in College Student Development in the Department of Human Development & Psychological Counseling, and has soared in her new position. Jan Stanley, Director of the James Center for Appalachian Educators is excited to have Megan join her staff, “This new position is a perfect fit for Megan. She is using her background in public education and her passion for working with college students to help recruit and retain teacher education majors.”
Many of you may recognize her smiling face, have worked with her at an event, or certainly have eaten one of the many delicious desserts that she has baked--just to brighten your day. Melissa Isaacs has been working in the Reich College of Education for nearly two years in the Department of Reading Education and Special Education. In that short time she has managed to fulfill all of her duties as an administrative assistant in the department in addition to assisting Linda McCalister with managing the budget for the Public School Partnership. Her willingness to help each and every person is palpable. She often goes above and beyond whether it be sweetly adding flowers to your office before you have arrived or by offering to drive you home in inclement weather, even when it is out of the way. Dr. Trathen, Chairperson in the Department of Reading Education and Special Education shares how Melissa has impacted the college, “Those of us in RESE know we are so fortunate to have Melissa as part of our community. She brightens up everyone’s day and sets a positive, caring atmosphere in our department office. She helps all of us with everything, and there isn’t a person on the Appstate campus that she does not know. She is wonderful!”
Following a year of teaching in Charlotte, Megan enrolled in our College Development Program in the Department of Human Development and Psychological Counseling. It was then that Megan worked as graduate assistant for the Appalachian Community of Education Scholars program (ACES). ACES, much like the Teaching Fellows, seeks to build community among young educators.
“While we have lost some of the state-wide collaboration that Teaching Fellows provided, I think it is truly wonderful that we have been able to continue the work of the Appalachian program and improve it. ACES has allowed the traditions of the Appalachian Teaching Fellows program to continue. Students in the ACES program are participating in many of the same professional and personal development opportunities I had as an Appalachian Teaching Fellow, and even some new ones!” As the Assistant Director for Student Involvement and Success, Megan has created a Teacher Education Ambassador program that is expected to improve the visits and tours for our prospective students. Additionally, she is working with the James Center in many other capacities involving the recruitment and retention of our teacher education students. Megan will also be advising the Transfer Educators Residential Learning Community as well as committees of the Appalachian Educator’s Club. Reflecting on her educational experience at Appalachian, Megan believes, “Education is the great enabler and equalizer. It allows individuals to reach their potential, powers social mobility, provides perspective, and encourages positive change.” Megan is an excellent addition to the James Center and the Reich College of Education. Making the transition from graduate student to a full-time employee of the university is no easy task. Megan is taking it in stride and excelling in every way possible.
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With Melissa’s hard work ethic, we often wonder how we have become so lucky to have her on our staff. Well it appears the feeling is mutual. Melissa expresses her commitment to the college and why she loves coming to work every day.
“Working in the Reading Education and Special Education(RESE) Department allows me to work alongside talented and dedicated faculty, staff, and students who are actively engaged in improving education, as well as striving to be excellent educators. The RESE program has students who are excited to be in the program as they strive to make a difference in the world around them. This is one of the things I find exciting! Where would we all be if not for our teachers?” So, for me, there is no better place to be than the Reich College of Education. Being around teachers is not new for Melissa as she previously has spent time at Hardin Park Elementary working in the main office. She currently serves on their social committee and makes time in her busy schedule to help plan events for the school and surrounding community. In her spare time, you can find Melissa with her husband and family outdoors, biking, hiking, or walking. Melissa is the shining example of what we in the Reich College of Education represent and we are delighted to have her in our college.
Appalachian Community of Education Scholars (ACES)
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ach year, the Appalachian Community of Education Scholars (ACES) have the opportunity to spend time with the Chancellor to discuss the opportunities provided by their unique learning community. The ACES program was created by the James Center to continue the legacy of the Appalachian State Teaching Fellows and these students thrive as future teachers because of enriching leadership and service experiences provided each year. Freshman ACES are welcomed to Appalachian during a Freshman Retreat and participate in activities that foster team-building and networking development. As sophomores, the ACES take a trip to Washington, DC to visit schools in an inner city setting and explore the nation’s capital. Junior Service Day is planned for Junior ACES to realize the importance of service by giving back to surrounding communities. This year they will serving Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. Finally, as seniors, the ACES travel to Ocracoke Island on the Outer Banks to the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) for professional development. At the beginning of spring semester 2016, Chancellor Everts, Provost Krueger, and Randy Edwards noticed the exceptional qualities of the ACES students during the meet and greet hosted at the Chancellor’s home. The university leaders were impressed with the students’ passion for education and strong leadership qualities, that the program was granted an extra $50,000 for scholarships and enrichment possibilities. The James Center Staff
and Scholarship Coordinator, Rebekah Saylors, encouraged all ACES to apply for $5,000 one-time scholarship. The application required the students to write reflective essays about the teaching profession and how the ACES program had impacted their preparation to become an educator at Appalachian State. The applications were anonymously sent to Teaching Fellows Alumni who had agreed to read and rank the applicants. Other stakeholders, including university admissions counselors, read the applications and helped make the decision. Each student who had applied was deserving of the scholarship recognition, so it was a challenging task to only select nine recipients: Ashley Brown, Senior, Elementary Ed Kelly Dancy, Junior, Secondary English Ed Mary-Helen Helms, Sophomore/Senior, Middle Grades Sarah Isenhour, Junior, Elementary Ed Sarah Kennelly, Sophomore, Art Ed Jessica Krpejs, Junior, Elementary Ed Judson MacDonald, Senior, Spanish K-12 Madison Vaughn, Junior, Elementary Ed Cristina Vazquez, Sophomore, Special Ed The James Center remains appreciative of the special recognition of the ACES program and will continue to celebrate the successes of these remarkable future teachers.
Pictured from left to right: Megan Kasper, Jan Stanley, Joy Osborne, Yosef, Trisha Caviness, and Chelsea Eller. RE ICH COL L E G E OF E DUC ATI O N
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INTERNATIONAL STUDENT TEACHING SPOTLIGHT
Zachary Brinkman, Troy Colvard, Meghan Andreoli, and Josh Allman, along with Yosef, teach a lesson on the past tense to the students. By Rebekah Saylors
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nternational student teaching offers ten sites in seven countries. In Spring 2016, Josh Allman (music education), Meghan Andreoli (history/social studies education), Zachary Brinkman (history/social studies education), and Troy Colvard (history/ social studies education) headed to one of these sites: the Gutenbergschule in Karlsruhe, Germany. International student teaching is an opportunity for our students to travel to and live in another country to teach for their final five weeks of their student teaching semester. It is a highly competitive program, but also a very rewarding experience. Troy noted on international experience, “You can talk about it, but until you are immersed in it do you truly understand world views. This experience has forever changed my perspective.” Josh said, “As teachers we have a responsibility to foster a global learning environment, and I don’t know a better way to prepare students to understand the otherness as this experience has done for me.” Zach noted, “Diversity in the classroom needs to be addressed and cared for. This experience helps us understand our English language learners better, as well as helps us connect with our students.” Built in 1902, seventy percent of the student population at the Gutenbergschule is from multi-national immigrant families. The students are referred to as immigrant students instead of refugees, in order to help them assimilate, as well as enrolling them in special German classes, making the school well-known for working with the immigrant student population. Our students taught in the English as a second language (ESL) classes. Heidi Bouché, one of the ESL teachers, is our liaison and coordinator in Germany. Heidi has been involved with our program for five years. Dr. Bill Peacock, director of early field experience and
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international student teaching, describes her as the “glue” that holds the program together. The students dubbed her their “queen”. Heidi studied German, English, and physical education. She is also a former dancer, and she still teaches Zumba each week, and of course our students attended. On the tram ride there were many students of all ages making their way to school, but no school bus, nor parent. At the school stop, Troy was greeted by one of the students in English. He in turn practiced his German. Our students were like rock stars in the school, which included the German students bringing in homemade goodies for them. There was an initial “bell” to signify the start of the day, but it was more melodic than the shrill sound or blasting horn from school days past. The classrooms had chalkboards that slide up and down, a sink so the teachers can wash the chalk off their hands, overhead projector, tables, artwork, world map, bulletin boards with projects and information, cabinets with supplies, and big windows allowing in natural light and a view of Karlsruhe. Our students taught what is equivalent to our sixth through eleventh grade classes here in the States. Instead of the students changing classes, the teachers changed classrooms, creating a cohort of the German students. The schedule changed daily, which became a lesson in flexibility for our students. Lesson planning took place in the teachers’ lounge, which consisted of multiple table quads, creamed color lockers for the teachers, the school calendar on the wall, a copier, and a kitchen. Our students took their time with the students and really got to know them and developed relationships with them. Zach stayed after class to work with the students on their English. “They enjoy hearing from us as much as we enjoying learning about them,” said Josh. “This experience taught us to slow down – talking too fast, speaking too fast,” noted Troy.
Heidi noted the benefits also extend to her students: “The benefit for my students is that they have to deal with mother language people what makes the situation in real life. Also to be tolerant in people who are different in culture, language and behaviour what is all in all the main purpose for our new school curriculum.” Our students participated in a co-teaching model, meaning while one or two of our students taught, the other two circulated the room to assist and give feedback one-on-one. Meghan noted, “Each of us have different skills and we collaborate. We plan our lessons together.” For Zach, the education course that best prepared him for international student teaching was Dr. Brandy Bryson’s FDN 2400 critical perspectives on learning and teaching course. The focus on social justice and working with diverse learners helped him understand the students better. For Troy, it was Jeff Goodman’s CI 2300 teaching and learning in the digital age course. The exploration of how technology impacts our lives helped adjust to having little to no technology in the classrooms in Germany. For Josh, it was Dr. Lindsay Masland’s PSY 3010 educational psychology course. Josh recounted Dr. Masland emphasizing that when you are teaching students, don’t mistake intelligence for fluency, a great reminder that students may know the answer, but do not know how to tell us. For Meghan, there was not one course in particular, but her entire college experience has made her more aware and able to see and show the other side.
at Heidi’s house. She always talked about American biscuits from her time here in the States. Heidi helped only with translating the ingredients into German. The students made a traditional American breakfast with eggs, bacon, sausage, mixed fruit, and hand-dropped biscuits with butter and jam. These students receive an A+ in home economics not only for their cooking skills, but also for their conversion skills to metric. Along with the dinner, the students presented her with a card of gratitude for all of her hospitality and mentoring. Josh is from Durham, NC, and is now teaching English in France. Josh was one of the top scholarship recipients for the Junior/ Senior Scholarships. Meghan is from Randolph, NC, and is now teaching history at Mooresville High School. Meghan was part of the Appalachian Community of Education Scholars (ACES) first class. Zach is from Wake Forest, NC, and is preparing to go abroad again, this time to teach English in South Korea. Zach was part of the ACES first class. Troy is from Jefferson, NC, and is now teaching history with the Winston-Salem/Forsyth schools. Troy was part of the ACES first class and served as President for App Educators his junior year. Meghan said, “Kudos to the COE for bringing four people who didn’t really know each other and making it successful.” Josh summed up the experience best: “Thank you for the wonderful experience for cultivating the relationships to make this experience happen.”
As an appreciation for Heidi, the students made her a final dinner
Course in international leadership offered this fall
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partnership between Appalachian State University, Novgorod State University in Russia and COMSATS Institute of Information Technology in Pakistan is focused on increasing students’, teachers’ and others’ foundations of cultural awareness and communication.
of cultures that intertwine to educate and transform leadership,” Howard said. “We don’t want to just transform our students,” Howard said. “We want to bring leaders from business and education into these courses and who in turn will be able to affect change in the environments in which they work.”
A special topics course co-taught by Associate Professor Barbara Howard from Appalachian’s Reich College of Education, Professor Arshad Bashir from COMSATS University in Islamabad, Pakistan, and Professor Natalia Ilyashenko of Novgorod State University, Veliky Novgorod Russia, will be offered this fall to graduate students at each partnering universities. The post-graduate level course will be open to any graduate student at Appalachian in the areas of leadership or to non-degree seeking students who apply to the Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies.
For more information about the course, contact Barbara Howard (howardbb@appstate.edu) or John Tashner (tashnerjh@appstate.edu)
The objectives are to develop a deeper understanding of the intricacies of culture on communication among those who wish to collaborate internationally. “Often, global connections break down simply due to lack of communication caused by misunderstandings,” Howard said. “Students will have the opportunity to work together in a variety of online settings, both synchronously and asynchronously, to develop specific projects related to real world issues in leadership.” Organizers hope the course will lead to a 12-hour, multidisciplinary graduate certificate in international leadership for those who have a master’s degree or higher in business or school administration, an educational doctorate degree or an educational specialist degree. “We want to develop a model that brings together international students and faculty to gain an understanding and appreciation
Faculty from Appalachian State University and universities in Pakistan and Russia are partnering in a course in international leadership. They are Professors John Tashner and Barbara Howard from Appalachian, Chancellor Sheri N. Everts, Professor Natalia Ilyashenko from Novgorod State University and Professor Dr. Arshad Bashir from COMSATS Institute of Information Technology. Also pictured is Appalachian’s Provost Darrell P. Kruger and Logan McGuire, a graduate student in the EdS Program from Gaston County Schools. RE ICH COL L E G E OF E DUC ATI O N
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Reich College of Education Rhododendron Society The Reich College of Education (RCOE) hosted its 17th Rhododendron Society induction in late July, honoring three Appalachian State University graduates for their service to education. The inductees were Dawn B. Wooten ’89, Bob M. Mauldin ’89 and Dr. Kim Blackburn-Morrison ’93’10. Jodi L. Grubb, Doctoral Student in Educational Leadership was awarded, at the event, with a scholarship for her dissertation, “Seeing the Fractal: A Collective Case Study Exploring Sustainable Change in Inclusive Settings. Thomas Young, a sophomore English, Sec. Ed major was also awarded a scholarship. Thomas is a member of the Appalachian Community of Educators (ACES) as well as the honors college. Provost Darrell Kruger welcomed the guests, including honorees and their families, previous recipients and members of the RCOE Advisory Board. RCOE Dean Melba Spooner and Chancellor Sheri N. Everts presided over the induction. The Reich College of Education established the Rhododendron Society in 1999, Appalachian’s centennial year. The Society recognizes graduates of Appalachian whose service as teachers, librarians, human service professionals or administrators has reflected great credit on themselves, the field of education and the university. The symbol of the Rhododendron was selected because it is native to North Carolina and blooms profusely on and around campus. The symbol also is particularly significant for Appalachian because for years, the yearbook of the University was called The Rhododendron, and within its pages were captured the
Educators inducted into Reich College of Education Rhododendron Society. From L to R: Dr. Kim Morrison, ‘93, ‘10, Dawn Wooten, ‘89, and Donna Mauldin, representing Bob Mauldin, ‘89 many historical moments, activities, and accomplishments of Appalachian students. Because the Reich College of Education wishes to celebrate alumni accomplishments and contributions, the Rhododendron Society will carry on the tradition. View photos of this year’s event kennethphoto.com/p89911648
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