Appalachian Educators Connection
August 22-26, 2016
Welcome Back!
We hope you enjoyed your summer months whether if it was spent in another country, working at a summer camp, or taking classes, we hope this time provided time for reflection from the previous school year and to prepare for a new semester.
Freshmen and new transfer students: please know that you are always welcome in our office and we plan to have our printers fixed as soon as possible! We are here to support you so hope to see you soon!
IMPORTANT DATES this week:
- SEMINAR-"What to expect as a classroom teacher" at 4:00pm in RCOE 227
Angel LedBetter, 2016-17 NC Western Regional Teacher of the Year, Appstate Alum 2009
Social Studies Teacher, Rutherford Early College
Wednesday, August 24
- 1st App Ed meeting-5:30pm RCOE 124B/C
- SEMINAR-"Cooperative Learning Strategies" 6:15pm RCOE 124B/C
Trisha Caviness, Assistant Director for James Center of Appalachian Educators, Appstate Alum 2003
Sunday, August 28
- Homecoming Lip Sync Practice 5:00-7:00pm RCOE 124
Sign up for the CMLA Book Fair
Dr. Melba Spooner-New RCOE Dean
Dr. Melba Spooner was named dean of Appalachian State University’s Reich College of Education after a national search. She began her duties July 1, 2016. Spooner has spent her higher education career at University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where she has been a faculty member and served in various roles in the College of Education including assistant dean; chair of the Department of Middle, Secondary, and K-12 Education; and associate dean. She currently serves as senior associate dean. She started her career in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools as a classroom teacher and assistant principal.
A nationwide leader in professional education accreditation efforts, Spooner has served in leadership capacities at the national and state levels on issues related to accreditation and policy. At UNC-Charlotte she directed key initiatives that have strengthened the quality of teacher preparation and enhanced the college’s reputation, including development of a new Office of Assessment and Accreditation and leadership in the areas of field experiences, educational outreach, and advising, licensure and recruitment.
“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,” said Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Darrell Kruger.
Spooner earned her Ed.D. in curriculum and teaching from University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and her master’s and bachelor’s degrees in early childhood education from UNC Charlotte. She also holds a Management Development Program Certificate from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education.
Areas of professional interest and research include university-school partnerships, specifically related to Professional Development Schools and networks that support teacher development and enhance program quality. She received the 2016 Distinguished Faculty Award from the UNC Charlotte Alumni Association.
Megan Kasper, Assistant Director for Student Involvement & Success
Congratulations on her recent marriage to one of our favorite guys in the world, Ben Brown. And also pictured with them is their dog, Bailey.
Meet the new additions to James Center Staff:
Audrey Choplin-Graduate Student
Jessica Krpjes-Student Worker
Jessica Krpejs is a junior Elementary Education major who traded in her Randolph County roots for a Boone education. Some of the best teachers she knew growing up were Appalachian Educators and she knew this was where she wanted to be! She has the most wonderful parents in the world, and a little brother named Zach who is both her best friend and biggest pain all rolled into one. Her favorite things include Jesus, the Baltimore Orioles, and ice cream. She is looking forward to working with you all this school year!
Jordan Amos-Student Worker
Possible Job Opportunities?
Reading Tutor
Applicants must qualify for the federal work study grant as awarded through the Office of Financial Aid. Reading tutors can earn up to $900 per semester at the hourly rate of $8.25. Reading tutors are placed at one of the Watauga county K-8 schools. You must be able to provide your own transportation to the off-campus site and you must complete a background check.
Position Classification Title: Reading Tutor
Pay: $8.25
Assist tutoring K-5 students in reading
Must relate well to children, possess good oral communication skills, and perform related tasks as assigned
Coursework and/or experience in tutoring young children's literature, language arts instruction, and child development helpful
Performs related tasks as assigned
Student Learning Outcomes
As a result of development opportunities, training and work experience, student employees will be able to:
Tutor and assist children individually or in small groups to help them master assignments and to reinforce learning concepts presented by teachers
Observe students' performance, and record relevant data to assess progress
Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills
Develop an understanding of professional cultures and expectations
Interested students should contact Stephanie Hickey in Student Employment at 828-262-2879 or hickeyss@appstate.edu and provide your name and Banner ID.
Christmas Tree Farm
I hope you had a wonderful first week of classes! If anyone is interested in working at a Christmas tree farm this harvest season (October-December) please contact me. I work at Mistletoe Meadows Christmas tree farm in Laurel Springs, NC which is located in Ashe County. It is about a 35-40 minutes drive from Boone to here, so transportation will be necessary. Carpooling is always an option if there are multiple of you. The pay for most positions is $9/hour. There are numerous positions available which include: Receptionist, Logistics Manager, Greenery Manager, Load Yard Manager, Brush Manager, Tree Harvest Manager, and a Payroll Clerk. Moreover, if one of these positions sounds interesting to you shoot me an email and I can send you the job description and provide you with further information. You can find my email address and phone # below.
Email: sheffieldha@appstate.edu
Phone: 910-690-8009
James Center for Appalachian Educators
Email: cavinessts@appstate.edu
Website: www.jamescenter.appstate.edu
Location: Reich College of Education Building, College Street, Boone, NC, United States
Phone: (828) 262-6095