As part of their orientation, the Appalachian Community of Education Scholars (ACES) began the academic year with a presentation from Appalachian State University alumnus and the 2022 Burroughs Wellcome Fund Western Region Teacher of the Year, Ryan Mitchell ’11.
Mitchell, a second grade teacher at Mils River Elementary School in Henderson County, shared and engaged with students through stories and intentional reflection of his experiences as a teacher education major and as a current classroom teacher.
“I appreciated Mr. Mitchell's ability to be vulnerable with us and share an experience with his own education and why it impacted him,” said Abby Dent an art education major from Troutman, North Carolina.
Madison Goodwin, an elementary education major from Raleigh, North Carolina, added, “He was so engaging. His presentation was clean and had a clear message. Mr. Mitchell made sure to connect with the students and engaged those of us in person with stories and intentional reflection points. I would love to work with him again!”
"Mr. Mitchell made sure to connect with the students and engaged those of us in person with stories and intentional reflection points. I would love to work with him again!”
In addition to the keynote address from Mitchell, students reviewed programming requirements, spent dedicated time getting to know each other better, and welcomed Maria Valencia as the new assistant director of the James Center for Student Success and Advising and ACES program director.
Tara Bennett, a birth-kindergarten major from Concord, North Carolina, appreciated Valencia’s support as Bennett adjusted to the first week of college. “Maria was the one who saw me distressed and quickly pursued me to check up on me. With help from her gratitude and guidance, I finally felt comfortable.”
“She is a great addition to the ACES family,” added Bennett.
Housed in the Reich College of Education’s James Center for Student Success and Advising, ACES supports over 150 students in all education programs at App State and promotes teacher leadership through rich, multifaceted programming focused on mentoring, leadership, service, and professional development.
Group Photo from ACES Orientation
