I hope that I am making a difference in my students' lives by helping them enjoy learning. When they come to school and have a positive experience, they want to learn more.
Rebecca Nieves, originally from Winston Salem, North Carolina, earned a B.A. in psychology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2021. Nieves is currently enrolled in App State’s Graduate Certificate in Special Education program. She serves as one of the Academy’s Exceptional Children (EC) teachers. Read on to learn more:
Why did you choose to work at the Academy?
It’s a great work environment and the staff really care about helping the students learn and grow as a whole.
What's your favorite part about working at the Academy?
That we are a family. This is my first experience working at a place where they [the administration] care deeply about how we [the teachers and staff] are and want to take care of us. It is truly a blessing to be a part of the Academy.
How are you impacting education in your community?
I hope that I am making a difference in my students' lives by helping them enjoy learning. When they come to school and have a positive experience, they want to learn more.
What was your favorite subject when you were in elementary school?
Art
The Academy has a reading literacy focus. What is your favorite book?
HER by Pierre Alex Jeanty
“Learning together” is a core commitment of the Academy. What does "learning together" mean to you?
Learning together means learning with others — this can be with other staff or even students. This leads to holistic learning.
Describe an experience where you "learned together" at the Academy.
Since I am a new teacher, I get to take part in beginning teacher professional development. These sessions are fun, and the collaboration with other new teachers is helping me to learn how to be a better teacher.
Just for fun, what is your favorite candy?
Watermelon-flavored Sour Patch Kids
Rebecca Nieves
