Alec Rogers was named the Appalachian State University Student Teacher of the Year for the 2024-2025 academic year. Rogers, originally from Angier, North Carolina, completed their Bachelor of Science in middle grades education with a concentration in language arts and social studies in May 2025.
Rogers almost did not pursue a degree in education because of a fear of public speaking, but they knew that their sights were set on being an educator and teacher.
“As such, I worked extremely hard to fix and make up for my lack of natural leadership skills by openly communicating with my professors and host teachers what skills I needed help with and asking for opportunities to practice those skills in their classrooms,” recounted Rogers.
“While I knew that I was making an effort to improve my capabilities, I did not realize exactly how much I had grown until I was first nominated for the Student Teacher of the Year award,” said Rogers. “I am incredibly grateful to my university supervisor and my clinical educator for recognizing my efforts and supporting me throughout this journey.”
“Being named Student Teacher of the Year is incredibly important to me for a number of reasons, but most importantly because it demonstrates that I am capable of being a good educator who is able to grow and mature, and make an impact in the lives of each and every one of my students,” said Rogers.
Emma Hatfield Sidden, Director of Clinical Education in the Reich College of Education, praised Rogers’ dedication and classroom presence.
“Alec Rogers has truly stood out as a leader in the classroom,” said Hatfield Sidden. “Feedback from peers, faculty, and their assigned clinical educator have all noted that Alec has a natural ability to build meaningful relationships with students while creating a positive and engaging learning environment.”
“Alec represents the very best of what it means to be an educator prepared at App State,” she added.
Dr. Rachel Askew, assistant professor in the middle grades education program, has enjoyed getting to know Rogers this year and witnessing their passion and enthusiasm for education.
“Alec is willing — and excited — to participate in discussions that center on what is best for all students, no matter how difficult that conversation might be,” observed Askew. “I have no doubt that Alec will continue to excel in teaching and make a significant impact on the lives of their students."
Initially, Rogers was hesitant about teaching middle school students.
“I struggled to imagine my career teaching an age group that is commonly stereotyped with constant attitude problems,” said Rogers. “However, I realized that all of those biases and reservations I had about middle schoolers were completely untrue when I got to work with middle school students in my very first internship.”
“I learned for myself how intelligent, curious, and incredibly sweet they are,” Rogers added. “They have a remarkable capacity for kindness, and they love to help others when given the opportunity.”
“I knew prior to choosing App State that I had a passion for learning about and teaching language arts and social studies,” noted Rogers. “Finding a university that supported my learning and growth in those fields was crucial in my college decision.”
“I chose App State because of its history and reputation as a strong university for those seeking careers in the field of education,” added Rogers.
This fall, Rogers will return to their hometown to teach seventh-grade social studies at Harnett Central Middle School.
Rogers will represent Appalachian State University at the state level for the Student Teacher of the Year, which is offered by the North Carolina Association of Colleges of Teacher Education (NC-ACTE). The NC-ACTE winner will be announced at the organization’s annual fall meeting, September 24 - 26, 2025. This is the ninth year in a row that NC-ACTE will recognize an elite group of student teachers from each of its member institutions.
Selection Process
Students are nominated by their clinical educators, University Field Supervisors, and faculty members based on their teaching, professionalism, and overall effectiveness in the classroom. Nominated students then submit a reflective narrative on their student teaching experience and three letters of recommendation. Finalists for each semester (fall and spring) are selected to compete for the top award.
“I am incredibly proud of all of our student teachers,” said Hatfield Sidden. “Throughout their clinical experiences, they’ve grown from students of teaching into confident, capable teachers of students. It’s inspiring to watch that transformation.”
“Their passion, dedication, and resilience give me great hope for the future of education, and I can't wait to see the impact they will make as beginning teachers!"
Twelve student teachers were named finalists for Appalachian State University’s Student Teacher of the Year Award. They were Jessica Brown, Caroline Fortune, Jessica Hackman, Jessica Harker, Emma Henstock, Matt Marston, Gabbi Paonessa, Alec Rogers, Hadley Seifert, Elliott Sheehan, Audrey Wall, and Lillian Wiener.
Finalists
Jessica Brown
Jessica Brown, from Sparta, North Carolina, completed her Bachelor of Science in middle grades education with concentrations in science and social studies in December 2024.
As a mother of three, Brown was seeking an academic program that allowed her to stay home with her children.
“App State has a great online education that offered flexibility and accessible learning that allowed me to set my own schedule and pace,” said Brown. “All of my professors were supportive and offered a high-quality learning experience.”
She added, “I also knew that I wanted to become an educator, and App State is well known for creating some of the best teachers in North Carolina, so I knew it was the place for me!”
Brown decided to pursue a degree in middle grades education because she wanted to make a meaningful impact.
“I love that middle school teaching allows me to bring creativity into the classroom and find new ways to make learning fun and relevant to the students,” said Brown.
“Ultimately, I chose middle grades education because I want to help students build a strong foundation for their future education and provide the support and encouragement they need during a time when they’re figuring out who they are,” she added. “I believe that this stage in their education is incredibly important, and I’m excited to help foster a love of learning that they can carry with them through their lives.”
For Brown, being a finalist is an honor, and she is appreciative of her clinical educator, clinical supervisor, and professors at App State who have helped her throughout her journey.
“Student teaching was a joy, and my clinical educator, Melissa Gibson, offered the best support throughout the process,” said Brown. “This recognition encourages me to continue striving to make a meaningful impact in the classroom!”
Brown is currently an assistant teacher in the EC classroom at the school where she completed her student teaching, Glade Creek School in Alleghany County.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with these students, and I hope to move within the school to an open middle school position next year,” she said.
Caroline Fortune
Caroline Fortune, from Charlotte, North Carolina, chose App State because of her experiences with the Hayes School of Music through the Western Region Honors Orchestra when she was in high school. She is completing her Bachelor of Music in music education in May 2025.
“This opportunity gave me the chance to meet the music faculty, explore the Hayes School of Music, and ultimately realize App State was the place I was meant to be,” said Fortune.
“Additionally, the personal experiences I had with faculty such as Dr. Adam Booker and the late Dr. Lisa Runner encouraged me to apply to App State,” she added.
Growing up in a musical household, Fortune found a passion for music at an early age.
“There were many teachers throughout my lifetime who inspired me, but the ones who stuck out the most were my music teachers,” she recounted. “A big part of me wanted to be just like them one day, and have the impact they had on me and other students.”
Fortune is honored to be named a finalist for the Student Teacher of the Year Award.
“I have poured my entire heart into student teaching, and it feels incredible to have that recognized,” said Fortune. “Having the opportunity to learn and grow as an educator in an environment where it is encouraged to try new things, take risks, and reflect deeply has been such a valuable experience.”
“This recognition is not just a personal honor, but a reflection of the incredible mentors, students, and peers who have shaped my journey,” she continued. “It inspires me to continue striving for excellence in the classroom and reminds me why I chose this profession in the first place: to make a meaningful impact through teaching, learning, and music.”
After graduation, Fortune has plans to work at the North Carolina Governor’s School West over the summer. She is still interviewing for a permanent teaching position.
“I look forward to finding a community that shares the same values regarding the arts and education as I do!”
Jessica Hackman
Jessica Hackman, from Raleigh, North Carolina, graduated in December 2024 with her Bachelor of Music in music education.
Hackman always knew she wanted to teach, and after participating in high school band, she knew she wanted to teach music.
“I had so much fun participating in music that I had to share it with others,” said Hackman.
Hackman chose App State after meeting with Dr. Nancy Schneeloch-Bingham, a professor of flute. “I really liked her teaching style,” noted Hackman.
“I also fell in love with the town of Boone and the Blue Ridge Mountains,” she added.
For Hackman, being named a finalist makes her “proud of the hard work I put into becoming the teacher I am today and hope to become in the future.”
Hackman is currently a long-term substitute teacher at Leesville Road High School in Raleigh. She hopes to teach middle school band beginning next academic year.
Jessica Harker
Jessica Harker chose App State because “it felt like home” after observing her brother’s experience through the university’s education program.
“I knew it would be a place that pushed me out of my comfort zone and help me grow,” said Harker.
From Garner, North Carolina, Harker completed her Bachelor of Science in health and physical education in December 2024. She chose her degree program because she is “passionate about helping others.”
“I want people I teach to feel comfortable in their skin and have someone to push them for better,” said Harker.
“I also grew up playing sports, which helped me to grow character, confidence, and responsibility, and I hope to become a great coach of future athletes,” she added.
For Harker, being a Student Teacher of the Year finalist means that “someone saw something in me that I did not see in myself.”
“Someone saw my hard work and thought that I am going to impact students more than I currently know. Someone saw a light in me that can reach in and support children as they grow. Someone saw a future of teaching in me and supported me by instilling confidence and a support system on my side. Someone believed that I will make a difference as an educator,” she said.
Harker has returned to her high school alma mater, Cleveland High School in Johnston County, to teach food and nutrition.
“I am definitely pushing myself out of my comfort zone, but I am loving learning new information and finding ways to connect and engage students to properly understand their health and gain life skills of cooking and kitchen safety,” she said.
Emma Henstock
Emma Henstock, from Elkin, North Carolina, graduated in December 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in elementary education.
As both of her parents are alumni of App State, Henstock grew up visiting Boone and the campus, and she knew it was where she was meant to be.
In addition to following her parents' footsteps to App State, Henstock followed her mother’s footsteps to becoming a teacher. “I have a passion for being a teacher and making a difference in children’s lives!”
Henstock is grateful for being nominated as a finalist.
“This was the most rewarding, yet challenging semester I have ever had, and I appreciate being nominated for my efforts,” she noted.
Henstock is a first grade teacher at Jonesville Elementary in Union County, which is also where she completed her student teaching.
“I am teaching kids I had during my student teaching placement, and I am so grateful I have been able to spend the whole year with them,” exclaimed Henstock.
Matt Marston
Matt Marston transferred to App State from his local community college because he wanted to attend a university with a strong education program.
“I also chose Appalachian because I fell in love with Boone the first time I ever made a visit, and I did not want to leave,” he added.
From High Point, North Carolina, Marston graduated in the fall with his Bachelor of Science in history/social studies education.
Marston chose to teach high school social studies because of his passion for history.
“I wanted to teach history because I truly believe that it is important for high school students to be informed about the world that they live in and discuss turning points in our world that help explain the world that we live in today,” said Martson.
For Marston, being named a finalist for student teacher of the year is an honor that he does not take for granted.
“I am extremely grateful for the support I have received during my time at App State,” said Marston. “I would not be in the spot I am now without all the great professors and teachers who supported me and gave me the tools to become the best teacher I can be.”
Marston is currently teaching civics and economics and personal finance at Southwest Guilford High School, which is also where he completed his student teaching.
“I have made some great connections and have grown a lot as a new teacher,” said Marston.
Gabriella Paonessa
Gabriella Paonessa, from Charlotte, North Carolina, graduated in December 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in English education.
App State was Paonessa’s first choice. “Getting into App felt like a dream — there is something special about Boone.”
“The vastly different community and small college town feel of App State gave me an experience I will never take for granted,” said Paonessa. “I’ve met some of the best people from all walks of life, and they have helped shape me into the person I am today.”
Even at a young age, Paonessa has been drawn to English. “Being able to have thoughtful discussions about even the smallest sentence, but finding a greater meaning in that has always piqued my interest.”
“I was able to have the opportunity to learn from such amazing professors about all aspects of the English language, as well as how to effectively keep students who aren’t intrinsically drawn to English engaged in lessons,” said Paonessa. “Some of the best classes I took were the ones where we were invited to think outside the box about different elements of literature and shown how to bring our fresh perspectives to the classroom.”
Being named a finalist for student teacher of the year is an honor for Paonessa.
“Student teaching was hard, but it was also a very eye-opening experience and showed me why I do want to pursue this career as an educator,” said Paonessa.
“My family, friends, professors, and student teaching clinical educator have been the best cheerleaders in supporting me through every moment of my journey,” she continued. “I had the opportunity to work with one of the best educators I have ever had the pleasure of knowing for student teaching, and she taught me how to go above and beyond to make sure every student's needs are met in the classroom.”
Since graduating, Paonessa has taken a position at a middle school teaching eighth grade AIG English I and English Language Arts.
“The people I work with are so incredibly supportive, and I feel very lucky to have such a strong community since jumping in during the middle of the year,” she added.
Hadley Seifert
From Cary, North Carolina, Hadley Seifert is graduating in May 2025 with her Bachelor of Science in special education. She grew up visiting Boone often and fell in love with the mountains.
A family friend told Seifert about the Appalachian Community of Education Scholars program.
“She shared how supportive the community is, all of the amazing learning opportunities ACE scholars participate in, and encouraged me to apply,” said Seifert. “When I was accepted into the ACES program, I knew that App State was the best college for me because I would be a part of a supportive community of future educators.”
Seifert chose to major in special education because of her own experiences as a student as well as her experiences working with students with disabilities while she was in high school.
“My own special education teachers taught me so much, and I learned the importance of having individualized instruction and how early support can make or break your educational experience,” said Seifert. “Without my amazing special education teachers and supportive general education teachers, I know I would not be where I am today, and I would not have been as successful in the classroom.”
During COVID, Seifert had the opportunity to work for a family that had children with disabilities.
“I realized the importance of meeting children where they are and leading them to where they can go based on their own individual needs and strengths,” she noted.
“I knew that I wanted to be a teacher who helped students feel seen, valued, supported and most importantly loved regardless of their abilities or learning differences,” she added.
Being a finalist is an honor for Seifert. “Teaching is a challenging and rewarding job, and being acknowledged for all of my hard work has been incredibly validating.”
“It has reassured me that my hard work does not go unnoticed,” continued Seifert. “Knowing that veteran teachers and professors have noticed my passion and ability to build meaningful relationships with students and create engaging, individualized lessons means the world to me. This recognition has strengthened my confidence as an educator and affirmed that I am on the right track.”
After graduation, Seifert is continuing her education through the accelerated master’s program, completing her master’s degree in special education with graduate certificates in literacy education and emotional behavioral disorders.
“I will also be working in the Mathematics and Science Education Center and with the math clinics as a graduate assistant,” she added.
Elliot Sheehan
Elliot Sheehan comes from a family of public school educators, but he did not initially come to App State to major in education.
“After taking classes in the Department of History, I was very impressed with our engaging and accomplished professors,” said Sheehan. That and the opportunity to study in our acclaimed Reich College of Education helped me realize that teaching was my dream.”
Now Sheehan is graduating in May 2025 with his Bachelor of Science in history, social studies education. “With their background as educators, I like to say that I am joining the family business,” he joked.
From State College, Pennsylvania, Sheehan was not familiar with the mountains of western North Carolina; however, when App State played Penn State in 2018, it made an impression on Sheehan.
“I thought that App State must be a pretty legit school — especially academically, as I have had the fortune of benefiting from it over the past four years,” recounted Sheehan. “After visiting Boone and the campus, it was an easy choice.”
Sheehan was surprised he was nominated for the Student Teacher of the Year award.
“I almost didn't put together an application because I wasn't sure I deserved the honor,” said Sheehan. “But I wanted to take this opportunity to recognize my amazing students and clinical educator, who pushed me to be better every day, and the very supportive and welcoming community at Wilkes Central High School.”
“Being a finalist wouldn't have been possible with their support and the support of my professors, family, and friends,” he added.
After graduation, Sheehan will be pursuing a master's degree in history at Virginia Tech University and serving as a graduate teaching assistant.
Audrey Wall
Audrey Wall from King, North Carolina, graduated in December 2024 with her Bachelor of Science in Spanish education.
She chose App State because she “wanted to be the best in my teaching profession.”
“I had always heard amazing things about App State and Reich College of Education, and when I looked at their university ranking, I knew I was set on attending Appalachian,” said Wall.
“I look forward to becoming one of the many successful educators App State has produced,” she added.
When Wall was in high school, she developed a love for languages. “Spanish quickly became my favorite class, and I realized I wanted to be able to teach and share my love of the language.”
“I look forward to creating an inviting environment and inclusive space for students during their high school years, to ensure they become successful in all their endeavors,” she added.
Wall is “extremely honored to be recognized for all the hard work and dedication I poured into my students during student teaching at my host school.”
“I would not have been able to succeed without the support and encouragement of my university supervisors, professors, clinical educator, and family, who have guided me, encouraged me, and taught me so much throughout this journey,” said Wall. “Their continued support is extremely important to me as I continue to pursue this career.”
Since graduation, Wall has been tutoring. She is actively seeking a position for the fall, specifically working in Stokes County or with the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School system.
Lillian Wiener
For Lillian Wiener, App State felt like a home away from home. “The mountain landscape itself is so captivating, but what really drew me in was how warm and welcoming the people in the university and the community were.”
“I also knew of App State's reputation as a school for developing exceptional educators,” she added.
From Oak Ridge, North Carolina, Wiener is graduating in May 2025 with her Bachelor of Science in elementary education.
Both of Wiener’s parents are educators, and she grew up watching them make an impact on the lives of their students both in and out of the classroom.
“I ultimately chose elementary education because of the personal impact that my own elementary experiences had on my life as a learner,” said Wiener.
“Elementary education is the student's first experience with school,” she continued. “As elementary educators, we not only facilitate the learning of knowledge but also give students the opportunity to find out what they are interested in and who they are as individuals, as we create classroom communities.”
Being a finalist is an honor for Wiener. “It's taken a lot of hard work, dedication, and growth along the way to get where I am today as an educator.”
“I could not have been this successful without the love and support from family, friends, my cooperating educator, and university personnel throughout my time at App State and student teaching,” said Wiener.
“It's been so rewarding to see the first-hand impact that building relationships and differentiating instruction to student needs and interests has had on my students’ quality of learning and growth,” she added.
After graduation, Wiener has already accepted a teaching position for the next school year, teaching fourth grade at Reedy Fork Elementary in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Student Teachers of the Year
