Two students majoring in teacher education, one at Appalachian State University’s Reich College of Education and one at Lees-McRae College, have been awarded scholarships from the Alpha Gamma chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. The Appalachian recipient is Sarah Dixon of Siler City, North Carolina, a junior middle grades education major.
Sarah has a passion for middle grades math and science, and she wants to inspire that same enthusiasm with her students. “I have always loved math; I like figuring out calculations and problem solving,” she said in her application. “I also really enjoy science. I like that it is hands on and allows for experimenting and discoveries.”
“I want to teach math because I want to help those students who are anxious or terrified of math,” continued Sarah. “Some students have a perpetual fear of anything related to math, and I want them to realize their true potential.”
Sarah believes in teaching with a holistic approach. “Not only am I supposed to ensure my students learn the content, but also how to be compassionate, thoughtful, and a responsible human being,” she said.
“I want to teach all of these young adolescents self-worth, empathy for others, compassion, respect, and many more valuable traits. In order to do this, I must model these characteristics myself, by the way I act, how I treat my students, and the way I interact with colleagues.”
When asked how she could become an influential leader, Sarah said as a woman, she not wants to empower young women, but all young people. “As a teacher, I will have students from all ethnicities, sexualities, and socio-economic backgrounds in my classroom,” she said. “I want to teach all of these young adolescents self-worth, empathy for others, compassion, respect, and many more valuable traits. In order to do this, I must model these characteristics myself, by the way I act, how I treat my students, and the way I interact with colleagues.”
Sarah is a leader on campus. She is a member of the Appalachian Community of Education Scholars and Prospective Teachers of Mathematics Association, the tutoring lab manager, site coordinator for the Kaleidoscope after school program, and desk receptionist for the Math and Science Education Center.
After graduation, she hopes to teach sixth grade math in North Carolina. “I like the stage of life sixth graders are in: transitioning from elementary school to middle school, beginning to self-discover and determine their interests,” she noted.
To apply for this scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:
- Female
- Graduates of a North Carolina high school
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Enrolled in a teacher education degree program at Appalachian State University or Lees-McRae College
The application is emailed to students from the RCOE Scholarship Office in the spring semester.
About Delta Kappa Gamma Society International
As one of the largest professional honorary organizations in the world, the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education. Learn more about Delta Kappa Gamma and the Alpha Gamma Chapter.
Sarah Dixon
