Are you a prospective App State student planning to major in education? Apply now to be a part of the Appalachian Community of Education Scholars (ACES). The ACES program seeks to develop teacher leaders who will positively impact the profession through their skills in critical thinking, collaboration, reflective practice, and advocacy for equity and inclusion.
Housed in the Reich College of Education’s James Center for Student Success and Advising, ACES is a four-year scholar program for future teachers focusing on mentoring, leadership, service, and professional development. ACES members are active leaders on campus and in the community.
“ACES takes something as scary as coming to a brand new school and makes it so easy by immediately providing a community. You make these relationships and bonds starting day one, and they will be with you for the rest of your college career and even your teaching career. ACES is about a mutual love and passion for teaching and it is so evident in this community that everyone feels the same way.”
-Lauren Rowe, Junior, English Secondary Education
Why ACES?
As a member of ACES, you will enjoy many educational and professional opportunities including:
- opportunity to live with other members in a residential learning community
- a seminar course on teacher leadership
- immersive enrichment trip with a focus on an urban school district
- school district orientation
- professional development conference retreat
ACES affords its members the chance to grow alongside other future educators and develop relationships and skills that will sustain and enrich their teaching careers.
“The ACES program helps prepare me as a future educator. Through social events and bonding activities, I am able to connect with peers who hold the same passion as I do. The opportunities provided in ACES to serve my community and even interact with students in Watauga schools gives me a chance to branch outside of my comfort zone. Attending the professional developments allows for me to learn from experienced educators on how to be the best teacher for my future students. The mentor provided by ACES was an extreme help in my transition to App State from assisting with textbooks, packing for my dorm, and even building my schedule. Overall, ACES is a program that has enriched my college experience.”
-Berenice Blanco-Rodriquez, Senior, Elementary Education
ACE scholars at the Public Broadcasting Station headquarters following a workshop with PBS LearningMedia last year. Photo Submitted.
“The ACES Program at Appalachian State will not only provide you with an opportunity to learn and grow as a future educator, but it will provide you with a community of true friends that will be there with you through it all.”
-Alex Dudash, Senior, History Social Studies Education
How to Apply
- Complete your Appalachian State University application by November 1. Complete your Application for Signature Scholarships & Selective Academic Programs by November 15.
- Be sure to select “ACES” when applying and complete the interest statement.
- Watch your email for more information.
- Students should hear an ACES admission decision no later than March 15. Selected students must commit to ACES by May 1.
"ACES helped me get more involved within the College of Education, and become even more passionate about my major. I am so thankful to be a part of ACES!
-Kathryn Watson, Junior, Mathematics Secondary Education
Questions?
Contact Megan Kasper with questions or for more information.
ACE scholars meeting with international teacher leaders through the Fulbright TEA Fellows program last year. Photo submitted.
Appalachian Community of Education Scholars
