The Reich College of Education’s (RCOE) junior Appalachian Community of Education Scholars (ACES) had the opportunity to engage with representatives from the Caldwell County School District virtually on Wednesday, November 5, 2020.
Housed in the James Center for Student Success and Advising, the ACES program is a four-year program for future teachers, focusing on mentoring, leadership, service, and personal and professional development. The program’s mission is 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.
As part of the ACES third year programming, the School District Orientation allows students to learn about the structures and roles through which school districts function and consider how school districts can create equitable opportunities for students, staff, and communities they serve.
”Our program’s curriculum in the third year challenges our scholars to consider education organizationally,” shared Megan Kasper, Assistant Director for Student Engagement. “It is important for teacher leaders to understand how they can effectively advocate within the systems they are a part of.”
“We also hope they can explore possible career paths in educational leadership and administration,” she added.
In preparation for the meeting, students completed a KWL chart. Used as a way to implement reflective practice as professional educators, a KWL chart allows students to think about what they Know about a topic, what they Want to know, and what they have Learned in the end.
Dr. Don Phipps, superintendent of Caldwell County Schools and Appalachian alum, shared a brief overview of the roles of the central office. In addition, students heard from the following administrators:
- Darrell Pennell, board of education chair;
- Dr. Jeff Church, associate superintendent;
- Mr. David Johnson, chief finance officer;
- Dr. Katrina McEllen, assistant superintendent; and
- Dr. Bill Griffin, assistant superintendent.
After learning about the board of education, auxiliary services, budget overview, curriculum overview, and human resources, students had an opportunity to ask questions of the administrators.
For the students, this experience allowed them to broaden their knowledge of school districts and the different roles and responsibilities in the central office.
“It was very beneficial to me because there are several people or resources within the office that could be useful to me as a teacher,” said Max Libera, from Rutherfordton, North Carolina, majoring in history, social studies education. . “I wouldn't know about these resources without this experience.”
“Being knowledgeable of school district operations is essential in helping create policy,” said Gracie Key, from Lincolnton, North Carolina, majoring in middle grades education. “Teachers are the ones who see what goes on in the classroom, and the people who work on the school board are advocates for teachers and students.”
“Teachers who are familiar with the school district policy will know the routes and outlets they can take to advocate for change in policy, or for new policies they feel will be beneficial in the classroom,” added Key.
ACES School District Orientation
