Setting the tone for the 2024 Academic Innovation Conference (AIC), educators from western North Carolina congregated on the scenic campus of Appalachian State University in Boone, NC on June 18, 2024 to pitch the next innovative approaches to teaching. Rooted in the theme of “interconnectivity”, the two-day conference was broken up into a pre-conference day featuring the first annual Enrichment by Partnerships Equals Opportunities (ExP=O) Educational Pitch Competition, and a full conference day which showcased and highlighted educators as professionals in their field. Approximately one hundred forty educators and advocates united at the Reich College of Education, representing the Appalachian State GEAR UP Partnership Grant’s ten local education agency cohort districts, four institutes of higher education, third-party organizations, and other fellow partners and educators, all came with the mindset of learning from one another. Focused on building necessary connections with fellow innovative thinkers to spark change in the landscape of western North Carolina schools, the Academic Innovation Conference calls to action the next step in our state’s approach to public education.
Connecting Innovation through Partnerships
The word innovation is rooted in the drive for change or improvement, with the understanding of the flexible thinking necessary to address the audience in need. Academic innovation is essential for equal opportunities, access, and positive trajectories for the future, and thus, is the cornerstone of the Appalachian State GEAR UP Partnership. For us, innovation requires imagination, determination, problem-solving, and hope for our students and families. Over the two days stakeholders including district directors, teachers, counselors, coaches, members of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, higher institutes of learning staff, and partners networked with the goal of fostering connections to support inclusive school environments empowered by innovation. More than just a conference, the vision of this year was to extend past just what was currently happening in classrooms, but also invest in the educators, schools, and communities in the upcoming years. The ExP=O Educational Pitch Competition partnered the Reich College of Education’s Appalachian State GEAR UP and the Public School Partnership to create a “shark tank” approach to grant applications. Proposals were presented to a panel of judges consisting of representatives from Participate Learning, the Empowering Teacher Learning grant, MyFutureNC, and in-service educators from the James Center for Student Success and Advising, and focused on projects that would elevate innovation in districts, schools, and classrooms. The ExP=O awarded approximately $34,000 in grant money to the winning proposals. The success of the Academic Innovation Conference is highly correlated with its valued sponsors and partnerships. This year, the sponsors included Participate Learning, Mastery Prep, and the Appalachian State University Alumni Association as the main donors for meals and networking opportunities. Additional partners led presentations, provided giveaways for participants, and hosted vendor booths. This partners included, Participate Learning, the Public School Partnership, the Empowering Teacher Learning Grant, Destination Imagination, Texas Instruments, FIRST Robotics, AeroEducate, Mastery Prep, Thinking, Coaching, and Learning Tutoring, MyFutureNC, and Mud Hole.
Collaborative Efforts and Victories Establish Unbreakable Bonds
The Academic Innovation Team (AIT) within the Appalachian State GEAR UP Partnership is led by Rachel Nave-Lewis, the Assistant Director of Curriculum and Instruction Design, and Brittany Brady, the Academic Innovation Specialist. Collaborating with invested stakeholders who believe in the mission of this conference, the Academic Innovation Conference Committee conceptualized the mission and layout for this year’s event. Knowing that everyone’s voice at the table is required for change to occur, the design of the conference centered on balancing perspectives, sharing experiences, and fostering the art of networking with the goal of creating the bonds necessary to address the needs of education in western North Carolina. Showcasing the promising work of our collaborative friends and partners, the conference offered real solutions to real issues in our Appalachian communities. Key speakers were strategically selected to not only engage the participants in the necessary awareness of interconnections and the value of partnership, but also to show the possibilities that can be unlocked if we dare to reach past our comfort zones. Dr. Kevin Sutton, of Appalachian State University and AeroEducate, started June 19th’s conference day with an aviation challenge based on the idea that there are multiple approaches to solve one problem, and acknowledging team perspectives can shape those approaches. Throughout the main conference day, thirty-four sessions were offered to participants exploring the value and next steps in education through topics such as AI in the school environment, addressing attendance challenges, increasing engagement in learning, creating a space of equity for all learners, understanding our place in this global community, and best practices for teachers, coaches, and leadership. Additionally, the three AIM (Academic Innovation Mini) Grant awardee teams presented the effectiveness of their proposal, as part of their applications dissemination. These grants showcased Ashe County Schools, Burke County Schools, and Yancey County Schools, and their pursuit to constantly push the boundaries to reach learners and ignite excitement in their own educational journey. The closing dinner keynote was student speaker Abigail Carpenter, an Appalachian State GEAR UP Partnership and Young Eisner Scholars’ (YES) student from Ashe County, NC. Abigail inspired attendees with her story of her personal educational journey, focused on the impact different educators had in her life, building upon her character, adding to her narrative, and encouraging her to take chances on herself. Brining the room to tears, she navigated her journey from a young person who found school to be a safe space to an adult who is leading her own path at Yale University.
Recognizing the Power in our Experiences to Shift the Trajectory
The power to change the course of many can start with the voice of one. AIT believes that the work being done in western North Carolina is impeccable, founded in the heart and passion necessary to inspire others. Allowing space for these encouraging voices to share their stories of struggles, victories, and lessons creates opportunities for the work to continue, and foster the strength for others to share as well. This year, the conference featured the inauguration of the GEAR UP Innovator of the Year Award. Understanding that our educators need positive recognition for their endeavors in their school and communities, the addition to the conference was a celebratory acknowledgement of what is being done in our schools by excellent educators. Dedication to the continued growth and professionalism of educators through community-focused relationships to transcend our teaching practices guides the work of AIT. These are our students, our families, our communities, and our futures. Yet, it requires commitment, and allowing space at the table. Innovation in education is vital. It not only enhances our teaching practices, but pushes us outside our comfort boundaries, making learning more meaningful, relevant, and effective for our students. Innovative approaches transform classrooms, foster student and family engagement, and significantly improve learning outcomes for all. The Academic Innovation Conference 2024 exemplified the power of collaboration and innovation in education. By fostering a culture of interconnectedness and creativity, the conference underscored the potential of educational communities to drive systemic change and inspire future generations. The future of education is being written, and we have the honor of authoring the narrative in the upcoming chapter. Let the work happen together, driving forward the necessary growth and success of educational innovation, knowing that it is our calling to ensure that students and communities are ready and excited for the next portion of their story.
This write-up was composed by Rachel Nave-Lewis, Appalachian GEAR UP and lead of the Academic Innovation Team. Nave-Lewis has served academic initiatives of the GEAR UP federal grant for three years. Before this opportunity, she was an elementary school educator in western North Carolina teaching K through 6 scholars in a variety of content areas. Her field of concentration is curriculum development and education leadership, with a focus in STEM education, teacher efficacy, and policy.
2024 Academic Innovation Conference
2024 Academic Innovation Conference