LEGO Education recognizes innovative educators from across the U.S. who are rethinking how students learn with hands-on STEAM learning–11/3/22
We are so proud of Ashley Clayton, Cohort III PREPARE MAT 2022 graduate, for being selected for this program! Read here for the complete story
Vance County Schools Announces New School Leaders–11/30/21
We are so proud of Mr. Edward Ortega and Dr. Shannon Bullock! Read here for the complete story
Congratulations to Johnita Readus on Publishing Her Second Book!–10/8/21
Ashleigh Sees Herself on Screen is the follow up to her first book, Ashleigh’s New Normal. Dr. Readus is the Principal at Bluford-Peeler STEAM Academy. Check out her new book here
How Anthony Jackson Became the Conductor –EdNC 12/10/20
“I’m a little brown boy from Washington, D.C. Based on statistics, I was supposed to have a different ending to this book.”
As a child living in poverty, Dr. Anthony Jackson never imagined himself leading a school district — much less being named the 2020 North Carolina Superintendent of the Year.
Back then, he just wanted to play music.
Today, Dr. Jackson sees parallels between his musical skills and his success as a leader. The many educators he manages as superintendent of Vance County Schools are the “differing sounds” and “differing parts” that must come together in harmony.
Dr. Jackson attributes much of his success to the mentors who saw his potential over the years and invested in him. Now, his most motivational days at the office are when he gets to do the same thing for children in his district.
Congratulations to Kate Horne!
In lieu of the regular Educator of Excellence celebration, which will not occur this year due to the cancellation of the annual Conference on Exceptional Children, the Exceptional Children Division has created a new way for districts to recognize outstanding educators, related service personnel and special education support staff providing services to students with disabilities during this unprecedented time.
Exceptional Children Program Directors and Coordinators were invited to recognize Extraordinarily Exceptional Educators in their district throughout the 2020-2021 academic year. This is the first virtual recognition of this school year. There will be additional opportunities to recognize Extraordinarily Exceptional Educators during the winter and spring.
The following professionals are recognized as outstanding teachers, related service personnel, and special education support staff serving students with disabilities in their district, charter school, residential school, or state operated program for fall 2020. Please join the Exceptional Children Division in congratulating each professional on his or her extraordinary dedication and excellence to students. Bravo!
Congratulations to Shannon Bullock, Assistant Principal of the Year for Vance County!!!
Congratulations to 2019 Special Education Graduate Kate Horne!!!
Update 12.15.20: Kate has also been selected as a finalist for the Beginning Teacher of the Year award.
On April 15, 2021, one of the 27 finalists will be selected as the NCCAT 2020 Prudential NC Beginning Teacher of the Year.
Elkin City Schools superintendent honored as World View’s July Educator Spotlight
Ms. Sam Entwistle
Kindergarten/Davidson Charter Academy
2017 BA Elementary Education, 2018 M.Ed Elementary/Ed. Leadership
Congratulations to Becca Irvine for being selected as a Top 10 Under 10 Young Alumni Award winner!
Becca is a 2013 graduate and is currently a special education teacher at Baker-Butler Elementary in Charlottesville, Virginia. “I am forever grateful to HPU, especially the Stout School of Education, for providing me with a holistic education with high expectations that have made me the person and educator that I am today. I am honored to receive this Top 10 Under 10 Young Alumni Award and empowered to continue to live the extraordinary mission of High Point University and instilling the same in my own students.” –Becca Irvine
School of Education Doctoral Candidate Selected as Principal
Congratulations to Gretta Dula for being named principal at Sanderson High School in Raleigh, NC. She previously served as principal at Ligon Middle School in Raleigh from 2009-2019 and principal at Wildwood Forest Elementary School in Raleigh from 2006-2009. Dula was named as one of five finalists for Wake County Principal of the Year last month. The award will be announced at a special ceremony on October 3rd. Good luck, Gretta!
School of Education Graduate Selected as Assistant Principal
Congratulations to 2011 Secondary History graduate, Kyle Laspe for being named the Assistant Principal at Westfield High School in Chantilly, Virginia (Fairfax County Public Schools). Kyle also graduated with a minor in Special Education. We are very proud of Kyle for this major accomplishment in his career!
Former Student Reflects on her time at High Point University Stout School of Education
Ever since 1st grade I have always wanted to be a special education teacher. When deciding on colleges, High Point University not only stole my heart because of the beauty of the campus but also from the rigorous teacher educator program. Throughout the past 4 years, I have gained more knowledge than I could ever imagine, not only about special education but also about myself as a teacher. High Point University Stout School of Education has provided me with hands-on teaching experiences in elementary, middle and high schools, professors that truly cared about my academics and me as an individual. High Point University helped me achieve my life-long goal of becoming a special education teacher! With the support and guidance from the Stout School of Education, I was more than ready to take on co-teaching in middle school inclusion class setting. I am so grateful to be an alumni of High Point University and to have gone through the teacher educator program. The most profound lesson that I have learned is to see the ability and not the disability.
Chloe Tyler Named 2019 Beginning Teacher of the Year for Randolph County Schools
Congratulations to Chloe Tyler
2018 BA Special Education
2019 M.Ed Special Education
Chloe is a Cross Categorical Teacher at Archdale-Trinity Middle School.
Dr. Mary Jo (MJ) Hall (Class of 1969) Awarded Alumni Service Award
October 2017 – Dr. Mary Jo (MJ) Hall (Class of 1969), was awarded the Alumni Service Award during HPU’s Homecoming Weekend (Oct. 6-8). Hall graduated from HPU with a bachelor’s degree (ABT), and also earned a MEd from the University of Maryland College Park, an MBA from Long Island University, as well as a doctoral degree in educational leadership from George Mason University.
Hall, a skilled WorkLearn strategist and performance coach, has served as the co-director and content manager for the ATD Forum (Association for Talent Development), since 2007 and has vast career experiences including working for the United States Military Academy, school teacher overseas as part of the Department of Defense, keynote speaker, and author.
Hall’s volunteer work includes working with doctoral students at HPU, serving on the Editorial Board for the Journal of Organizational and Educational Leadership at Gardner-Webb University, and contributing to service projects as part of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Her dedication to success has earned her many accolades; Hall is the recipient of service and achievement awards from the Department of Defense, the United States Army, the Office of the President and more.
In 2015, Dr. Hall and her husband, retired Col. Emmett Stobbs Jr., established a grant for the School of Education’s doctorate in educational leadership. Up to three $1,500 grants will be awarded annually for initiatives designed to solve critical educational problems in North Carolina or across the nation. Dr. Tillery, Dean of the Stout School of Education says, “In addition to this contribution, Dr. Hall has worked with our faculty to create a vision that brings together thought leaders from across the state to collaborate and engage in the work of solving problems of practice. These opportunities are designed to facilitate collaboration and innovation for improving education in North Carolina.”
Doctoral Graduate Emily Lipe Receives Promotion
July 2017 – Dr. Emily Lipe (Class of 2016) was named interim superintendent of the Davidson County Schools on July 25, 2017. Prior to this appointment, Dr. Lipe most recently served Davidson County Schools as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. Dr. Lipe was a member of our first doctoral cohort and graduated in 2016.
School of Education Former Students Receive Awards
Ms. Melissa Wagner for being named the Rookie Teacher of the Year at Montlieu Academy of Technology in Guilford County Schools. Ms. Wagner is a 2nd grade teacher at Montlieu Academy. Melissa completed her BA in Elementary Education from the School of Education in 2014 and also received her M.Ed. in Elementary Education from the School of Education in 2015.
Ms. Abigail Chase, 2008 Elementary Major and 2015 M.Ed. Elementary Education Graduate from the School of Education, was recognized as the 2016 Teacher of the Year for Pickett Elementary School in Lexington City Schools. Abigail is a 2nd grade teacher at Pickett Elementary.
School of Education 2015 Elementary Education Major, Alexandra (Lexi) Valentinas was recently announced as the 2016 Beginning Teacher of the Year at Ramseur Elementary in Randolph County Schools. Lexi teaches 1st grade at Ramseur Elementary.
Congratulations to all these former students!
Graduate Student Named Teacher of the Year
Meredith Hylton was awarded the 2015-2016 Churchland Elementary School Teacher of the Year. Ms. Hylton is a 2nd grade teacher at Churchland Elementary which is located in the Lexington City School district.
Meredith received her M.Ed. in Elementary Education from High Point University School of Education in 2012.
School of Education Graduate Named Teacher of the Year
February 2016 – Jay D. Simpson was recently named 2016 Teacher of the Year at Northern High School which is located in Guilford County.
Mr. Simpson earned his BA Degree in History with licensure in Secondary History/Social Studies from High Point University in 2007.
2014 Elementary Education Major, Caroline Stalvey, Featured in Article
September 21, 2015 – The Lexington Dispatch recently published an article “The Cure for Teacher Turnover: Pay Students to Come Home” featuring High Point University School of Education graduate, Caroline Stalvey. Caroline graduated with her Elementary Education degree in 2014. She is quoted in the article stating ““I was hoping to come back anyway,” Stalvey, a second-grade teacher at Reeds Elementary School, Lexington, NC, said this week. “I’ve lived here all my life. I couldn’t imagine teaching anywhere else.” Click here to read the entire article.
School of Education Graduate Recognized by ASCD as a 2015 Emerging Leader
June 2015 – School of Education Middle Grades Education graduate, Rachel Sniff Lawrence, has been recognized by the ASCD. The ASCD announced the selection of 46 educators for its 2015 class of Emerging Leaders. This program recognizes and prepares educators to “influence education programs, policy, and practice on both the local and national levels.”
Rachel received her undergraduate degree in May 2012 and is currently enrolled at HPU pursuing her masters degree. She is currently a middle grades teacher at Southeast Middle School in Salisbury, NC but will begin teaching at Centennial Campus Magnet School in Raleigh, NC this fall.
To view the full article and entire list of 2015 Emerging Leaders, please click the links below.
46 Educators Selected for ASCD’s 2015 Emerging Leader Class
ASCD 2015 Emerging Leader Class
Rachel Sniff Selected as a Kenan 2014 Fellow
Rachel Sniff, a 2012 HPU graduate in Math/Science Middle Grades Education, has been selected to serve as one of 40 Kenan Fellows for 2014. More than 120 K-12 teachers from seventy-five North Carolina school districts applied for the Fellowship program in 2013-2014. The Keenan Fellows Program is offered through the Kenan Institute of Engineering, Technology & Science at NC State University. The program provides opportunities for development and advancement inspiring educators to drive innovation in North Carolina public schools.
Sniff will participate in a year-long fellowship that will include significant research on the global education climate and STEM trends, the development of a STEM based unit that will be shared with fellow educators on Learn NC in May 2015, hosting a professional blog through Lenovo, education journal contributions, involvement in professional development institutes through NCCAT and NC State University, as well as opportunities and involvement with the NC Science, Math, and Technology Center, World Economic Forum, and presentations at state/national conferences related to solutions and trends in education around the world.
The 40 Kenan Fellows chosen from across the state will partner with other educators, as well as university and industry leaders to develop innovative instructional resources that will “enliven public education in North Carolina.” (Elaine Franklin, Kenan Fellows Program.) The particular fellowship Sniff was chosen for is Partnering to Enable Innovative Teaching Practices. A five-week externship will allow her to learn from and work alongside Sam Morris, the Worldwide Education Executive at Lenovo. Lenovo is a PC company committed to global and innovation educational practices.
Sniff is currently teaching 7th grade Science at Southeast Middle School in the Rowan-Salisbury School District. She is enrolled in the Masters of Educational Leadership Program at HPU. She is also currently involved with the inclusion of the Math and Science Partnership Grant, as well as involvement in the RSSS curriculum development team.
Leni Fragakis Publishes Unit in IRA Journal
Leni Fragakis, M.Ed. K-6 (literacy concentration) graduate, collaborated with Dr. Debbie Linville over the past 17 months to develop a literacy-based instructional unit that has been published by “the” premiere literacy organization (International Reading Association). This instructional unit is part of a new line entitled Bridges – bridging research and practice for high engagement and rich student learning. Miss Fragakis and Dr. Linville have been invited to present the product at the IRA conference in New Orleans in May 2014.
Miss Fragakis has a BA in K-6 and a M.Ed. in grades K-6 with a focus in literacy from High Point University. She is a licensed Reading Specialist (K–12), Special Education General Curriculum teacher (K–12), and Elementary Education teacher (K–6) in North Carolina. She is currently a third-grade teacher at The Arts Based School in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Ms. Fragakis has a passion for integrating literacy experiences and the arts into all curriculum areas. Along with attending numerous international-, national-, and state-level conferences, she has co-presented at conferences for organizations such as North Carolina Association of Elementary Educators, North Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and North Carolina Council for the Social Studies.
Graduate Students Featured in STEM News
High Point University School of Education graduate students, Catherine Hadley and Katie Ethridge, were recently featured STEM News, a newsletter for STEM teachers across the nation. Both of the students are in the 5th year M.Ed. in Elementary Education (K-6) with a focus on STEM education.
The students were asked to comment on the need for STEM education at the early learning levels. Highlights from their writing indicate that they see a focus on the tested subjects of reading and math to the detriment of students as they fail to see important connections that carry over into perceptions about science and science related careers.
Teachers in the STEM focused concentration gain the knowledge and expertise to provide their students with real world connections and meaningful and engaging lessons that include engineering challenges, use of probe wear, and basic computer programming with simple iPad apps.
April Thompson Named Assistant Principal of the Year
April Thompson, a Reidsville High assistant principal, was chosen as the 2014 Rockingham County Schools Assistant Principal of the Year.
Thompson has been an assistant principal at Reidsville High since 2012. Thompson has 9 years in education and has served as a GEAR UP coordinator and an assistant principal in Asheboro City Schools.
Thompson received her Bachelors in Physical Education from Greensboro College, a Masters in Human Resource Development from Clemson University and a Master of School Administration from High Point University.
Ms. Gina Spencer Honored for Title I Reward School
The School of Education is pleased to announce that Ms. Gina Spencer, principal of Pickett Elementary School in Lexington has received word that her school has been recognized as one of the 2013-2014 Title I Reward Schools.
A Reward School is a Title I School that, based on recent student performance data, has been identified as being among the highest 10% of all Title I schools in the areas of most improved in student performance and/or highest performance of students for all subgroups assessed.
Title I is the largest federal program for schools. It is aimed at assisting students who are at-risk academically based on the overall percentage of low-income children in attendance, generally based on those eligible for the free and reduced lunch program.
Gina Spencer received her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education in is 2003 from High Point University. She earned her masters degree in Educational Leadership from High Point University in 2005.
Also receiving the distinction of Title I Reward School for 2013-2014 is Montlieu Academy of Technology, a Guilford County School who has had a three-year iPad partnership with the School of Education.
Graduate Takes Service Learning to Schools
A recent High Point University graduate made headlines his first year of teaching by encouraging his students to make a difference in their community, just like he was encouraged to do at HPU.
In the 2012-13 school year, Chris Terzigni and his fourth grade students at Archer Elementary in Greensboro started a project to finish the Boston Marathon for all the runners who weren’t able to Terzigni Thermometerfinish the race before the tragic explosions occurred.
Terzigni is a graduate of HPU’s fifth-year education master’s program. He graduated from HPU with his undergraduate degree in 2012, immediately began teaching and completed his master’s in elementary education at HPU in May 2013.
“It all started because of the students,” says Terzigni. “Every Monday we would read the newspaper and the kids would choose a story to discuss. They wanted to talk about the marathon and had a lot of questions.” Terzigni says the story got the students interested and involved. When they found out that more than 4,400 runners, Terzigni, who had trained for months for this race, had to stop just 1.4 miles from the finish line, they couldn’t believe it. “Then one student said, ‘Why don’t we finish it for them?'”
Despite the busy school year and End of Grade exams approaching, Terzigni used the students’ interest as an opportunity for learning. The students used math to figure out how many miles they would have to walk or run to finish the race for the runners who weren’t able to cross the finish line. His students agreed to invite other classes and schools to help out. Terzigni then reached out to other local teachers who he met while studying at HPU. I made such amazing connections with people while I was at HPU; I knew exactly who to reach out to in order to make this happen.” Terzigni knew that service learning is more than just doing something; students also had to learn the meaning behind it. To promote the project, his fourth grade students created their own website; marketed the project through emails and power point presentations; researched the Boston Marathon and marathons in general; and compiled data to make sure they reached their goal by using spread sheets and graphs.
“It was amazing to see how quickly they absorbed the information,” says Terzigni. “They just learn skills and concepts faster when they are engaged in a project that they are interested in.” By the end of the year, the students completed more than enough miles to finish the marathon for all of the runners. To celebrate, a Greensboro man who had to stop running at the marathon came to class and thanked the students for their support. The school district also honored the class by presenting a special award for service; and the students were featured on five different news stations. “They were rock stars,” says Terzigni. “They couldn’t contain their excitement, but they were also practicing their speaking and listening skills.” To top it all off, Archer Elementary created a new position for Terzigni, a technology teacher. Next year he will teach grades K-5 computer and technology skills every week. He’s also been named the new Service Learning Coordinator for the school.
“I’ll work with the teachers to help create lessons like this one,” explains Terzigni. “We’ll find projects that get the kids excited, that will help them learn and that will allow them to make a difference in their community.” All lessons he learned at High Point University.”
Education Graduate Receives Position with NASA Space Camp
HIGH POINT, N.C., July 12, 2013 – High Point University education graduate Katie DeAngelo is spending her summer training current teachers through the Educator Academy Program at NASA’s Space Camp.
As a teacher crew trainer, DeAngelo conducts professional development activities and guides teachers through various workshops designed to re-energize, excite and help teachers incorporate more math, science and technology across the curriculum.
DeAngelo attended one of NASA’s workshops earlier this summer along with a group of HPU education graduate students. The NASA instructors were so impressed with DeAngelo that they offered her the job.
“After being challenged through my courses at HPU, I felt comfortable challenging myself with this job opportunity,” says DeAngleo. “I learned leadership and team building skills from the School of Education that will be key to my success, and the success of my teams, throughout the summer.”
DeAngelo will return to HPU in the fall as a graduate student in the Masters of Education, Elementary STEM program.