I feel like I am always "learning together" at the Academy. We do this in my classroom when I have the students participate in student-directed discussions. They learn from each other, and I learn a lot about my students and what they know already, and what they need to know.
Brent Macrow, originally from Kernersville, North Carolina, earned a B.A. in elementary education from D'Youville College in 2001. He is currently enrolled in Appalachian’s reading education masters program.
Macrow currently serves as a second-grade teacher and is “living the dream at an amazing place.” Read on to learn more:
Why did you choose to work at the Academy?
I was very interested in creating a change in education by implementing programs and procedures that were not available within the county school system. Also, I felt like it was a great opportunity to learn from like-minded peers who will put the students before anything else.
What's your favorite part about working at the Academy?
Working at the Academy is like working with a family. We are all comfortable with each other and understand that we have the same goals for our students, and we will all work very hard in order for them to succeed in the classroom and in life.
How are you impacting education in your community?
I work to be a role model for my students, as someone who cares about education and as a person. I’ve also had the opportunity to mentor a great student teacher from Appalachian.
What was your favorite subject when you were in elementary school?
Math
The Academy has a reading literacy focus. What is your favorite book?
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
“Learning together” is a core commitment of the Academy. What does "learning together" mean to you?
To me, it means the teacher and students are learning at the same time. But, also, I am always learning from other staff members, every day.
Describe an experience where you "learned together" at the Academy.
I feel like I am always "learning together" at the Academy. We do this in my classroom when I have the students participate in student-directed discussions. They learn from each other, and I learn a lot about my students and what they know already, and what they need to know. In addition, My former student teacher and I did some good co-teaching to prepare her for her own classroom. I will also be working on a research inquiry for a master’s course I am taking, which will focus on writing workshops and peer conversations and editing.
Just for fun, what is your favorite candy?
Sour Patch Kids
Stay tuned and watch for new Academy Staff Spotlights each month.
Brent Macrow
