On Tuesday, June 14, 2022, the Reich College of Education’s Public School Partnership hosted an Innovation for Equity Expo, which included presentations from the 11 school districts and three schools, as well as six business sponsors. The purpose of the event was to showcase innovative ideas and practices schools are implementing to meet the needs of students and their communities.
“I was so very proud to be among such creative, passionate, and devoted innovators,” said Dr. Betsy Rosenbalm, director of the Public School Partnership. “Each speaker brought such unique and valuable assets to our event, and I hope to continue to support their innovations as we move into a new school year and beyond!”
The presentations ranged from creating a career center at the high school to providing online options for students and families to increasing the principal pipeline. A full list of topics and presenters is below.
"Being invited to the Innovation for Equity Expo opened the doors and the hearts to so many ideas to be presented and be heard,” said Yolanda Adams, the Family Resources Coordinator at Watauga County Schools. “Every presentation highlighted the great importance and passion of each organization, business, and school.”
Wilkes County Schools Director of Federal Programs and Career and Technical Education (CTE), Dr. Joe Bullis, wanted to learn more about Adams’ Family Resource Program. “We would be interested in the Semillas Program and are considering a bilingual Facebook CTE page.”
“In addition, we were inspired to learn about the CTEatery from Caldwell County Schools CTE, which included the food truck and trailer innovation as it related to the culinary pathway,” added Bullis. “The contest and survey that included all stakeholders to generate the name, menu, locations and times were great ideas. These innovative concepts resonated with our CTE future vision."
The business sponsors also presented ways they are impacting the community and schools:
- Blue Ridge Energy - awarding grants to increase collaboration between schools and businesses.
- GoogleLNR - awarding grants to increase collaboration between schools and businesses.
- Merlyn Mind - integrating technology in the classroom in a seamless way.
- Participate Learning - building students’ competencies into global citizens and leaders.
- Protobot with Open Way Learning - providing creative ways to generate and brainstorm ideas.
- Skyline/Skybest - maintaining broadband access to the region and awarding scholarships to area students.
Full list of topics and presenters:
School District | Innovation Idea | Presenter(s) |
Alexander County | CTE Innovation – Career Center | Crystal Hoke, CTE Director |
Alleghany County | Appalachian Studies Course | Heath Vogler, 6-12 Curriculum/CTE Director |
Appalachian State University Academy at Elkin | School within a School: An Innovative Intervention | Emma Hatfield-Sidden, Principal Hannah Reeder, RCOE Assistant Dean and Director of Lab Schools |
Appalachian State University Academy at Middle Fork | Re-envisioning our mission: Innovation, Inclusivity, and Intentionality | Amie Snow, Interim Principal Hannah Reeder, RCOE Assistant Dean and Director of Lab Schools |
Ashe County | Innovative Hiring | Julie Taylor, K-12 Curriculum and Federal Programs Director |
Avery County | Be the Change: Leading with Heart! | Justin Carver Principal Banner Elk School Shannon Silver Teacher |
Burke County | Burke Virtual Academy | Christie Abernathy, Director of Innovation and Advanced Learning Kristin Edwards, Principal Coordinator |
Caldwell County | CTEatery | Libby Huff, CTE Director |
Elkin City Schools | Global Education Newsletter | April Swarey, EHS Teacher |
NC School for the Deaf | Making a Name for Ourselves | Mark Patrick, Superintendent |
Newton-Conover City Schools | NCHS - Advanced Core | Angelo Palozzi, CTE Director |
Watauga County | Watauga Family Resource Program | Yolanda Adams, Family Resource Coordinator |
Wilkes County | CTE Innovation - Drone Technologies | Dr. Joe Bullis, Director of Federal Programs and CTE |
Winston-Salem/ Forsyth County Schools | WS/FCS Principal Pipeline and New Teacher Induction / Teacher Academy | Nichole Rose, Director of Leadership Development |
Innovation Expo
