This past year, with the help of my grade level team, I focused on implementing activities that allowed students to have their voices heard. We did many discussion-based activities, and I recorded the things they said and their ideas.
Alix Shaver, originally from Germanton, North Carolina, earned a B.S. in elementary education and an M.A. in reading education with an autism certificate from Appalachian State University in 2019 and 2020 respectively. Shaver, who has just completed her first year with the Academy, currently serves as a third/fourth-grade teacher.
Read on to learn more:
Why did you choose to work at the Academy?
The reading clinic for my master’s degree was on-site at the Academy, and it was an amazing experience — that is why I chose to work at the Academy. I loved working with Dr. Amie Snow and I could tell that students were always put first. The staff was like a family and I knew I wanted to be a part of something like that.
What's your favorite part about working at the Academy?
The staff is so supportive and students are always put first. For example, when decisions are made we [teachers] are included and students' needs are always at the top of the priority list. I love feeling so supported and in turn, being able to support my own students in the best way possible.
How are you impacting education in your community?
Each day I focus on building relationships with my students, showing them that their voice matters, and teaching relevant curriculum.
What was your favorite subject when you were in elementary school?
Reading
The Academy has a reading literacy focus. What is your favorite book?
Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed
“Learning together” is a core commitment of the Academy. What does "learning together" mean to you?
To me learning together means being part of a team of people who want to be better for our students and that is exactly what I have experienced at the Academy.
With all of the changes this past year and being virtual, we have all taken it one step at a time and have learned so many new ways to support our students even from a distance. Additionally, as a first-year teacher, the other teachers have been such role models for me.
Describe an experience where you "learned together" at the Academy.
This past year, with the help of my grade level team, I focused on implementing activities that allowed students to have their voices heard. We did many discussion-based activities, and I recorded the things they said and their ideas.
I also used my connections at App State — I reached out to some of my former professors to ask their advice and to be guest speakers for my classes.
Just for fun, what is your favorite candy?
Mini M&Ms
Stay tuned and watch for new Academy Staff Spotlights each month.
Alix Shaver
