Appalachian State University’s Reich College of Education (RCOE) and Watauga County Schools (WCS) received a $10,000 gift from the Sun Belt Conference as part of the College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation’s Extra Yard for Teachers (EYFT) Week initiative.
The gift funded a project titled First Teach: Appalachian State University and Watauga County Schools Teacher Leader Professional Development Program (First Teach Program), a partnership focused on the continuing education and professional growth of the WCS 2019 Teachers and Principal of the Year, seven of whom are Appalachian alumni, and Appalachian teacher education students.
College Football Goes the Extra Yard for Teachers
EYFT Week, held September 14-21, 2019, was an eight-day period dedicated to celebrating educators across the country, supported by the CFP Foundation and its partners. The CFP Foundations established EYFT Week in 2015 to provide an opportunity for universities, coaches and student-athletes to take part in its mission of elevating the teaching profession through inspiring and empowering educators.
The CFP Foundation provided the Sun Belt Conference with funds to support teacher-centric education initiatives in conjunction with conference activities at member institutions. Institutions had an opportunity to receive up to $10,000 to implement projects in the local community that incorporated one or more of the pillars of the EYFT Program: resources, recruitment and professional development.
In addition, each institution was asked to designate a home game during EYFT Week to recognize the teachers associated with the initiative during an on-field presentation. Appalachian selected September 7, 2019, as this was date was selected as the Education Day game at Appalachian, and there was not a home game on either September 14 or 21.
Game Day Celebration
The WCS Teachers and the Principal of the Year were invited to the September 7 App State home football game vs. University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Chancellor Sheri Everts, Dean Melba Spooner, Director of Athletics Doug Gillin, and Watauga County Superintendent Scott Elliott along with the Watauga County Teachers of the Year and Principal of the Year for the on field recognition. Photo by Marie Freeman
Those in attendance were:
- Callie Jarman from Bethel School
- Sarah Holt ‘00 from Blowing Rock School
- Anne Donadio ‘87 from Cove Creek School
- Carly Mize ‘13 from Green Valley School
- Tammy Whichard from Hardin Park School
- Gayle Oliver ‘12 and ‘17 from Mabel School
- Heather Miller from Parkway School
- Mitchell Wright ‘98, who was also named 2019-20 WCS District Teacher of the Year, from Valle Crucis School
- Jennifer Williams ‘08 and ‘09 from Watauga High School
- And, the WCS Principal of the Year, Dr. Chris Blanton ‘02 from Watauga High School
Prior to kickoff, they and their families were hosted by Appalachian’s Chancellor, Dr. Sheri Everts, at a pre-game tailgate event, along with the WCS Superintendent, Dr. Scott Elliott, RCOE Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Program Services Terry McClannon.
During the game, they were recognized on the field for their achievements and as Extra Yard for Teachers participating partners. Chancellor Everts, Dean Spooner, and Director of Athletics, Doug Gillin, presented a $10,000 ceremonial check to Elliott in acknowledgment of the gift that helped fund the First Teach Program.
“Our teacher leaders and their positive influence in our schools is worthy of celebration.” Elliott said. “They have been recognized by their peers for their skills, unique perspectives, and the immense influence they have on our profession. They truly do go the Extra Yard every day!”
About the First Teach Program
Appalachian State University was founded as a teachers’ college in 1899 and these educational roots remain an integral part of the university’s identity. Today, the RCOE is first for teaching - first to lead and listen, first to inspire and innovate - ensuring that our graduates are prepared to be leaders in the field of education.
The college works diligently to develop and sustain relationships with local school districts to support the growth of these teacher leaders. WCS is one such dedicated partner.
RCOE Dean Melba Spooner said, “Sustaining partnerships is critical to the work we do in preparing educators, as well as instilling the practice for professional development and continuing education. The First Teach Program, funded in part by the $10,000 gift from the College Football Playoff Foundation, will provide the opportunity for our teacher education students to learn from the teacher leaders in the Watauga County Schools.”
“Being able to recognize the Teachers and Principal of the Year for their accomplishments and contributions demonstrates the commitment our university community places on quality education and educators,” she continued.
The First Teach Program, which included all three EYFT pillars, will allow the WCS Teachers and Principal of the Year to gain professional development and then in turn offer professional development seminars for pre-service teachers enrolled in teacher education programs at the RCOE. Professional development of this type helps to prepare Appalachian’s graduates to be successful in their future classrooms, thus inspiring the next generation of Appalachian teachers and sustaining education locally and globally.
The participants will travel from Watauga County to the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) on Ocracoke Island for a rigorous professional development program, April 2-4, 2020. The gift will help to cover the costs of facility rental, participant travel, and room and board as well as substitute pay and a stipend for the participating teachers and principal.
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