Learning together means being able to ask questions. Learning together means not being afraid to try something new. Learning together means taking on new challenges, sharing information and data, and making adjustments when needed.
Cathy Ryan, originally from Watertown, Massachusetts, earned a B.A. in elementary education from Wake Forest University in 2002 and an M.A. in reading education from Appalachian in 2011.
Ryan currently serves as a fifth-grade teacher and as a member of the school’s HIKE Team. In addition, she started the Academy’s "Dance Club.”
About the club, Ryan said, “I hope the club gives students an opportunity to learn through music and dance — an opportunity to shine and build confidence, which can spill over into other areas of their lives.”
Read on to learn more:
Why did you choose to work at the Academy?
I chose to work at the Academy because I felt it would be the best place to ensure both my professional and personal growth. Also, I truly believe in the Academy’s vision of academic, social, and emotional growth — teaching the "whole child." In addition, working at the Academy has rejuvenated my love of both teaching and learning. It has supplemented my thirst for knowledge and my desire to share it.
What's your favorite part about working at the Academy?
There are lots of things that make the Academy a great place to work. First, the feeling of family. Also, watching our students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. In addition, I am truly thankful for the support of the administrative staff. Finally, the support from colleagues, at all grade levels.
The teaching profession has its challenges, but I truly enjoy coming to work each day - and I leave each day feeling like I have accomplished something! The Academy has renewed my excitement for teaching and validated my belief that we are all lifelong learners.
How are you impacting education in your community?
I have been teaching for 17 years. I feel I bring structure, engagement, and both diversity and equality into my teaching practices. I continue to engage in professional development to ensure I am using the best teaching practices in my class. I truly have a passion for learning and enjoy sharing my knowledge with my students. I enjoy working with my colleagues and strive to be a vital part of our team.
Working at the Academy has reinforced my knowledge of the importance of involving families and the community in a child's education. I continually strive to aid my students in the knowledge that I am willing to meet them where they are and help them find ways to be successful.
What was your favorite subject when you were in elementary school?
Language and/or reading
The Academy has a reading literacy focus. What is your favorite book?
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
“Learning together” is a core commitment of the Academy. What does "learning together" mean to you?
At the Academy, "learning together" is thought of as an ongoing process because it brings together learning from many different sources including life experiences. I think "learning together" means we should strive to meet the developmental, educational, social, and health needs of young children of all abilities. Learning together means being able to ask questions. Learning together means not being afraid to try something new. Learning together means taking on new challenges, sharing information and data, and making adjustments when needed.
Describe an experience where you "learned together" at the Academy.
We have tried many innovative new ways of learning at the Academy. One that comes to mind was during the "Summer Program" - where students were given the opportunity to receive instruction for their specific needs but also given the opportunity to learn through creative thinking like games, technology, and makerspace, and STEM activities.
The 5th-grade team really works very closely together to bring the best learning experience to our students. We are in constant collaboration and we are very supportive of each other. We rotate classes for math, science, and social studies - so we are involved with all the 5th-grade students, not just those in our own class. In addition, the partnership with Appalachian State University has had a positive influence on our students and staff.
Just for fun, what is your favorite candy?
Hershey’s Chocolate
Stay tuned and watch for new Academy Staff Spotlights each month.
Cathy Ryan
