This past semester, the Academy at Middle Fork hosted two student teachers from Appalachian State University. These students teachers shared their experience of what “Learning Together” meant to them at the Academy:
Abby McAninch
Abby McAninch, originally from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is earning a Bachelor of Science in health and physical education with a minor in sports science and coaching. She completed her student teaching with Robin Phelps, the Academy’s health, PE, and fitness teacher.
For McAninch, building relationships with students and being able to see them grow was her favorite part of student teaching at the Academy.
After graduating, McAninch plans on working as a substitute teacher while applying to full-time jobs.
What does "learning together" mean to you?
“Learning together means working together to excel in a task or skill. An experience where I have learned together with my students is when the student taught me their favorite game in the gym. This was a bonding experience as well as a learning experience for myself and other new students.”
How are you impacting education in your community?
“I am impacting education in my community by coaching and volunteering with a local soccer and lacrosse club to help students learn and build their skills in sports.”
Why App State?
“App State provided me with opportunities that made me grow as a teacher. I came in as a transfer, and the university gave me the same opportunities that I would receive as if I came in as a freshman.”
What advice would you give to future student teachers?
“My recommendation and advice for future student teachers are to be open to any opportunity that is handed to you. Don’t be closed-minded, ask students what they like and dislike. Never be afraid to ask questions.”
Katherine Scott
Katherine Scott, originally from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is earning a Bachelor of Science in elementary education with diversity studies minors in social work and psychology. She completed her student teaching in Alicia Kinzer’s first grade classroom.
For Scott, the support from the entire staff and the positive attitude throughout the entire school family was her favorite part of student teaching at the Academy.
After graduating, Scott plans on working as a substitute teacher at the Academy and in Forsyth County until the next school year starts.
What does "learning together" mean to you?
“Learning together to me means we are constantly learning alongside fellow educators as well as from our students.”
How are you impacting education in your community?
“In my community, I attend professional development opportunities and become involved in different events in order to further my knowledge and abilities as an educator.”
Why App State?
“I chose to attend App State because both of my parents attended here, and I fell in love with Boone when I would visit as a child.”
What advice would you give to future student teachers?
“Some advice I can give to future student teachers is to go into school every day with a positive attitude.”
Academy at Middle Fork Student Teachers
