In the dynamic landscape of education, innovation is the heartbeat that drives progress and transformation. Behind every groundbreaking program, inspiring classroom activity, and forward-thinking school initiative, there are dedicated teachers who tirelessly work to cultivate an environment where creativity and critical thinking flourish. These educators are not just teachers; they are innovators, visionaries, and change-makers who play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education.
Recognizing and celebrating these hard-working teachers is not just about giving credit where it's due. It's about highlighting the profound impact that innovative teaching practices have on students, schools, and communities. When we shine a spotlight on these exceptional educators, we inspire others to follow in their footsteps, fostering a culture of innovation that transcends individual classrooms and permeates entire educational systems.
This year, as the Academic Innovation Team (AIT) within the Appalachian State GEAR UP Partnership began working on their third annual conference, the question of celebrating educators in western North Carolina was at the forefront of their planning. While in planning sessions with the Academic Innovation Conference Committee, a team of stakeholders composed of current educators, coaches, higher education, and federal grant representatives, the idea of a GEAR UP Innovator of the Year was planted. The committee understood the need to make aware the importance and impact of celebrating educators who are at the forefront of innovation. While initially just a dream award, through hard work across the GEAR UP partners, this dream was realized at this year’s Academic Innovation Conference. The process of the application, school visits, testimonials, and interviews magnified the myriad ways in which each nominee’s dedication and creativity are transforming the educational experience for students, fostering a love for learning, and preparing the next generation to thrive in an ever-evolving world. Join us as we honor these trailblazers and advocate for a culture that celebrates and supports innovative teaching practices, and award our first ever GEAR UP Innovator of the Year.
Making A Way: The Application Process and the Seven Nominees
All of our partners were invited to this first year’s application process. The application for the nominee from each district or higher educational institution asked the representative nominating to reflect on the impact the educator had within their school in regards to meeting the needs of students, families, communities, and fellow colleagues. Nominations included examples of projects and initiatives started by the nominee, which showed innovative implementation of novel ideas, practices, and technologies that enhance teaching and learning experiences; embracing creative problem-solving, transformative instructional strategies, and the integration of emerging technologies to meet the diverse needs of students. In the end, six local education agencies and one institute of higher learning nominated an educator, and the educator accepted the nomination. Each nominee was initially asked what innovation means to them in their daily practice as part of accepting the nomination.
To see their impact in person, Rachel Nave-Lewis, the Assistant Director of Curriculum and Instructional Design within the Appalachian State GEAR UP Partnership, traveled to each educator’s home school. There, she spoke with faculty and students about the difference that the nominated teacher made in the school as a whole, and in their own personal lives. Additionally, she explored the grounds, unbeknownst to them, to see their work throughout the school environment. “Seeing the schools that these educators work in everyday, and hearing from their colleagues and students was the most rewarding experience for me personally,” shared Nave-Lewis at the Academic Innovation Conference when the nominees were recognized in June.
Alleghany County Schools: Danny Jones, Sparta School, Sparta, NC
Ashe County Schools: Tonya Denny, Ashe County High School, West Jefferson, NC
Madison County Schools: Josiah Johnston, Madison Early College, Marshall, NC
Swain County Schools: Sheena Kohlmeyer, Swain County Middle School, Bryson City, NC
Watauga County Schools: Chelsie Eldreth, Bethel School, Sugar Grove, NC
Yancey County Schools: Leigh Davis, East Yancey Middle School, Burnsville, NC
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College’s Behavioral Science Department, Department Head: Kelly McEnany, Asheville, NC
Innovation is Achieved through Connections: Acknowledging the Nominees and Naming the Innovator of the Year
In an educational context, innovation aims to foster critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability, preparing students for future challenges and opportunities. In order to celebrate these individuals, part of the closing convening at the Academic Innovation Conference included acknowledging these amazing individuals and their accomplishments and commitments to education in front of other educators across the state of North Carolina. During the Pre Conference Day, the nominees traveled to Appalachian State in Boone, NC to sit down with a small panel in an interview to discuss their work, their vision of education, and their thoughts of the future. The panel, which was comprised of M. Corinne Smith, Director of CAP Operations and GEAR UP at Appalachian State, Freebird McKinney, Participate Learning, and Dr. Kim Case, MyFutureNC, had nothing but positive things to say about the experience and the impact it had on them as partners in this work. It was a difficult decision for the panel to select one individual as the overall GEAR UP Innovator of the Year. During our closing dinner, you could audibly hear the audience react to the video footage of students expressing their thoughts on each nominee. It was a beautiful moment that allowed us to just pause and hear from our most important partner, the students.
Partnerships and sponsors are essential in establishing meaningful solutions to the barriers seen in education. As part of this new recognition, the AIT wanted to ensure that a monetary gift of gratitude and appreciation was presented to the winner of the award. This gift was made possible through local businesses set in their own commitment to teachers and education in their communities. Together, these businesses donated $1,100 to give to the acknowledged educator. Thank you, Forest Ridge Assisted Living and Memory Care, Merle’s,Anchor Coffee, Justice Project, EXCO Custom Homes, and Teaching, Learning, and Coaching Tutoring for your generosity. Additionally, the Appalachian State GEAR UP Partnership awarded a $2,500 mini grant to the winner, runner-up, and the AB TECH nominee to continue their work and fund a project for their schools. It was a true honor to recognize each individual nominated, and lay the foundation of what is hopefully a new tradition in highlighting those who do so much for our communities through nourishing our future.
Congratulations, Josiah Johnston for being named as the first GEAR UP Innovator of the Year. Additionally, congratulations to Chelsie Eldreth who was named the GEAR UP Runner Up Innovator of the Year. Thank you for what you do for students. For all of our nominees, we are honored by your commitment to the profession of education. We hope to see your impact continue in the years to come.
Rachel Nave-Lewis, Appalachian GEAR UP and lead of the Academic Innovation Team contributed to this post.
Celebrating the GEAR UP Innovator of the Year: Honoring the Educators Who Transform Our Classrooms, Schools, and Communities
Celebrating the GEAR UP Innovator of the Year: Honoring the Educators Who Transform Our Classrooms, Schools, and Communities