In the classroom, our students learn that we, as teachers, are able to learn with them. I have used "I wonder..." lessons with my classes, and students have the chance to stop and ask questions about either something we are working on, or anything that might be on their minds. Often they ask questions that we teachers do not know the answers to and that is welcomed. We research, share, and learn as a class.
Julie West, originally from Mocksville, North Carolina, earned a B.A. in elementary education from Salem College in 2013, and a reading education graduate certificate and an M.A. in reading education from Appalachian State University in 2019 and 2020 respectively. West currently serves as a third/fourth-grade teacher.
As a graduate student, West was the recipient of the Janet Williams Bloodgood Scholarship For Reading and Children's Literature. The scholarship is awarded annually to a graduate student enrolled in Appalachian’s Master of Arts in Reading Education degree program who has been or is currently teaching, and who demonstrates an interest in children’s literature.
Read on to learn more:
Why did you choose to work at the Academy?
I came to the Academy in the hopes that I could make a difference in the lives of students in this community. The opportunities to learn alongside my students and collaborate with our Academy team, as well as Appalachian professors, were opportunities I simply could not pass up. Watching our students grow into a community with a drive for learning has been extraordinary.
What's your favorite part about working at the Academy?
My favorite part about working at the Academy is the family we continue to build together. The atmosphere is absolutely indescribable. We are all there with the same goals for our students and work together to create a space where we are all safe to try new things, make mistakes, and grow from them.
How are you impacting education in your community?
While working on my master's in reading education, I was able to immediately implement the strategies I was learning in my classroom. In addition, I became more comfortable sharing all I learned with fellow teacher friends in the surrounding communities.
What was your favorite subject when you were in elementary school?
Reading and/or language arts
The Academy has a reading literacy focus. What is your favorite book?
Verdi by Janell Cannon was my favorite book when I was in elementary school. I have many favorite books now.
“Learning together” is a core commitment of the Academy. What does "learning together" mean to you?
In the classroom, our students learn that we, as teachers, are able to learn with them. I have used "I wonder..." lessons with my classes, and students have the chance to stop and ask questions about either something we are working on, or anything that might be on their minds. Often they ask questions that we teachers do not know the answers to and that is welcomed. We research, share, and learn as a class.
Describe an experience where you "learned together" at the Academy.
I have been able to bring lessons and strategies from my graduate courses into the classroom. I continue to learn through these new methods, while my students are also learning.
My graduate courses were also a way to connect with other Academy teachers, from all grade levels, and teachers from other schools. We worked together and shared experiences from across the spectrum of elementary grades. These were invaluable learning opportunities and I am so thankful for these learning communities.
Just for fun, what is your favorite candy?
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
Stay tuned and watch for new Academy Staff Spotlights each month.
Julie West
