Kenley Little was named the Appalachian State University Student Teacher of the Year for the 2018-2019 academic year at the Spring 2019 commencement reception. Little, originally form Lincolnton, North Carolina, graduated in December 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in history education.
Little has wanted to be a teacher since she was in elementary school. “I grew to love history in high school, so becoming a social studies teacher was a natural option,” she said. She chose Appalachian because she knew it would be the best place for an aspiring educator to grow and develop.
“Student Teaching was one of the most exhausting, rewarding, and enjoyable things that I had the pleasure to participate in,” said Little. “Not only did I create a deep, lasting impact on my students, they left an imprint with me that I will treasure in the years to come. The educator that I am now has learned from all the things mentioned above, and I will continue to develop into the person that my students need. It truly was an experience that I will never forget.”
Student Teaching of the Year, Kenley Little with Dr. Rwany Sibaja, assistant professor in the Department of History and program director for history, social studies education; Dr. Neva Specht, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Dr. Tracie Salinas, professor in the Department of Mathematics and director of secondary teacher education & engagement ; Dr. Melba Spooner, dean of the Reich College of Education; and Dr. Monica Lambert, associate dean of the Reich College of Education and Office of Field Experience.
“During her time at Appalachian State, Kenley Little excelled in the classroom - both as a history/social studies education major and as a student teacher,” said Dr. Rwany Sibaja, assistant professor in the Department of History and program director for history, social studies education. “She always demonstrated a willingness to listen, engage with peers, and help others succeed.”
“Kenley combines her pursuit of teaching excellence with genuine care for her students, and in fact, it is her desire to help students succeed in life that keeps pushing Kenley to find engaging ways to help them master the content and skills of the history/social studies classroom,” continued Sibaja. “All of these traits were apparent to us in the history department, particularly during her time as a student teacher in Lincoln County.”
When asked what being nominated as a finalist for the student teaching award, Little quoted Nelson Mandela: “There is no passion to be found playing small - in living a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”
“Student Teaching was one of the most exhausting, rewarding, and enjoyable things that I had the pleasure to participate in,” said Little.
After graduating in December, Little worked as a long-term substitute, teaching world history and world humanities at West Forsyth High School.
“As an advocate and champion for history/social studies education, Kenley Little has the potential to become a leader in her school system and beyond,” remarked Sibaja.
Little will represent Appalachian State University at the state level for the Student Teacher of the Year, which is offered by the North Carolina Association of Colleges of Teacher Education (NC-ACTE). The NC-ACTE winner will be announced at the organization’s annual fall meeting, September 30 - October 2, 2019. This is the fourth year in a row that NC-ACTE will recognize an elite group of student teachers from each of its member institutions.
Selection Process
Students are nominated by their clinical educators, University Field Supervisors, and faculty members because of their professionalism and effectiveness in the classroom. Nominated students then submit a reflective narrative on their student teaching experience and letters of recommendation from either their University Field Supervisor, Clinical Educator, Principal/administrative designee at the school where they completed their Student Teaching, or College/University faculty members. Four finalist for each semester (fall and spring) are selected to compete for the top award.
Between the fall and spring semesters, over 150 student teachers were nominated for this award. “I believe this is a testament to the quality of our students as well as our teacher preparation programs,” said Dr. Hannah Reeder, Director of Clinical Education.
Student Teacher of the Year Finalists for the 2018-2019 academic year.
Fall 2018 Finalists
Andrea Berry, originally from Jamestown, North Carolina, graduated in December 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in health and physical education.
“I chose health and physical education because I didn’t always like being physically active, and all it took was one teacher to show me the fun physical activity can bring to the table,” said Berry. “I hope to be that same inspiration for one of my students.”
In addition to her student teaching experience at Jackson Middle School, Berry was selected as one of nine students who completed their international student teaching in Thailand. “I had a fantastic experience working with my school and learned so much about myself, my students, and my teaching,” she noted.
Berry is currently the head coach for the varsity women’s lacrosse team at Lucy Ragsdale High School in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Jennifer Crain, originally from Hickory, North Carolina, chose Appalachian and the App State Online program because it was close to home, the cost, and a leader in education.
Crain graduated in December 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in middle grades education, with concentrations in English language arts and science. During her academic career, she was a SECU Appalachian Partnership Scholarship recipient.
“If I learned anything from my student teaching experience, it was to be a teacher from the heart, to come to school every day and give it every piece of my heart,” said Crain. “I struggled in school when I was younger, and I want others to know they can reach their full potential.”
Crain is currently teaching sixth grade science at Heritage Middle School in Valdese, North Carolina.
Olivia Sabins, originally from Roxboro, North Carolina, graduated in December 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in elementary education.
One of Sabins’ greatest strengths as an educator is her interpersonal and communication skills. “I made use of any available time to build relationships with my students. Whether I was facilitating a mini lesson or playing four square at recess, I maintained a smile and a warm disposition,” she said.
On her final day of student teaching, Sabins received many heartfelt cards and poems. She in turn gave each student a card with a handwritten note and a unique quote that she chose from 365 Days of Wonder by R.J. Palacio based on who they were, what they might need to hear, or simply what might make them smile.
“To be a successful teacher, one does not need to create and execute perfect lessons everyday,” said Sabins. “To be a successful teacher, one simply needs to give students a safe, engaging space to learn, explore, and make mistakes. I believe I created that space every single day.”
Spring 2019 Finalists
Shannon Furr first came to Appalachian with the intent of majoring in elementary education. “While my passion for education has not changed, I realized that I could make the most impact with my capabilities in a history classroom,” said Furr.
Originally from Wilkesboro, North Carolina, Furr graduated in May 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in history education.
“The history education program has furthered my love of history and social studies curriculum, and my love for sharing this material,” said Furr. “My goal is to help students become aware of the narratives of the past so that they can develop a deeper identity in this world and the nation; the history education program has made this goal possible.”
In addition to her student teaching experience at East Wilkes High School, Furr was selected to complete international student teaching in Karlsruhe, Germany.
Furr is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in history at Appalachian State University through the accelerated admissions program.
Cami Haney, originally from Hudson, North Carolina, graduated in May 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in elementary education.
Haney chose Appalachian for its phenomenal teacher education program and proximity to her home. “I love the mountains, teaching, and family, and being at Appalachian provided me with just that,” she said.
“Being an elementary teacher is the one job that makes all the other jobs possible: a doctor couldn’t be a doctor without knowing how to read; an accountant couldn’t be an accountant without learning how to add; and an author couldn’t write books without learning how to write a sentence,” said Haney. “That’s why I chose elementary education; I want to be the one that makes endless possibilities possible for all my students!”
After graduating, Haney hopes to have the opportunity to give back to her hometown by serving as an elementary school teacher in a school in Caldwell County.
Emma Lassiter immediately fell in love with Appalachian when she first visited the campus. “The combination of the large university with the smaller communities of the Honors College and School of Music were a perfect fit,” she said.
Lassiter, originally from Apex, North Carolina, graduated with a Bachelor of Music in choral music education.
On being selected as finalist, Lassiter said, “This shows me once again how supported I am by the Appalachian faculty and my student teaching team. I am proud to be able to share this honor with my students, who have driven me and taught me to be my best.”
This fall Lassiter will start her first year of teaching vocal music at the middle school level.
Amber Morgan, originally from Apex, North Carolina, graduated in May 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in special education, adapted curriculum.
“Special education holds a unique and special place in my heart,” said Morgan. “It is a daily blessing to work with such diverse children and be a supportive and positive impact in their lives.”
“Being a student teacher of the year finalist means to me that the past four years of hard work from m professors, mentors, classmates, and me has come to fruition,” noted Morgan. “All these people’s hard work and passion to guide me towards dedication and excellence clearly shows through!”
Morgan is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in special education with a concentration in intellectual disabilities at Appalachian State University through the accelerated admissions program.
Kenley Little and Faculty
