App State Child Development, Literacy, and Special Education

05/28/2026

Are YOU interested in joining the early childhood field? We’re offering ONE more Child Care Academy!

📅 June 19–20
⏰ 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
📍 Appalachian State University Hickory Campus | Hickory, NC

Participants will receive FREE required training for employment in early care and education!

Have questions or want to learn more?
Contact Teressa Sumrall at [email protected] or Rhonda Russell at [email protected]. You can also complete our Interest Form: https://forms.gle/ftaiL4YoyfYLe1Dw8, and a member of our team will be in touch.

A special thank you to our partners for making this event possible:
NC Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education; Lucy Brock Child Development Lab; Alexander County Partnership for Children; Catawba County Partnership for Children; Child Care Resource Center of Catawba County; and the Early Childhood Education Program at Catawba Valley Community College.

05/27/2026

We’re hiring in the App State Special Education program!

Join a collaborative, mission‑driven faculty committed to preparing the next generation of special educators. We’re seeking an Assistant/Associate Professor with strong teaching expertise and an active research agenda.

Requirements:
• Earned doctorate in special education or a closely related field by August 2027 (ABD considered)
• Minimum of three years of teaching or clinical experience with students with disabilities

Areas of Interest:
• Online undergraduate/graduate teaching and course development
• Supervising teacher candidates in clinical or field‑based settings
• Knowledge of MTSS and evidence‑based academic instruction across disability categories
• Knowledge of administration, law, and policy
• Potential to secure external funding

If you’re passionate about evidence‑based practice, teacher preparation, and supporting diverse learners, we’d love to connect.

🔗 Apply here: https://appstate.peopleadmin.com/postings/54280

05/27/2026

We’re excited to celebrate the success of Appalachian State University’s 2nd Child Care Academy, hosted at Western Piedmont Community College in Morganton, NC! 🎉

Over two days, 16 participants engaged in intensive (and fun!) in-person training, building skills and knowledge to support their work in early care and education. They are now continuing their journey by completing approximately 14 hours of self-paced online learning modules.

We are so proud of these emerging early childhood professionals and the dedication they are showing to this important field!

A huge thank you to our incredible partners who made this possible: NC Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education; Lucy Brock Child Development Lab; Burke County Smart Start; Early Childhood Education Program at Western Piedmont Community College (WPCC); Child Care Connections of Burke County; and the Dogwood Health Trust.

It truly takes a village, and we couldn’t have done it without them!

Are YOU interested in joining the early childhood field? We’re offering ONE more Child Care Academy:
📅 June 19–20 | 8:00 am–5:00 pm
📍 Appalachian State University Hickory Campus, Hickory NC

Have questions or want to learn more? ❓
Contact Teressa Sumrall at [email protected] or Rhonda Russell at [email protected]. You can also complete our Interest Form, and a member of our team will be in touch.

05/22/2026

05/06/2026

Road to Graduation | Meet Courtney Eller! 🎓

Courtney is a Birth-Kindergarten Undergraduate student and we are just so over the moon proud to celebrate everything she has accomplished on this journey!

"As an online student, App State has been great about helping the online community network for support. I have thoroughly enjoyed the expert faculty mentorship, the ability to balance career goals with rigorous academics, and the autonomy to continue my educational journey as a stay at home mom of three! My favorite learning experience has been all of the quality time I have got to spend hands-on in the field before entering it professionally and the authentic learning projects throughout that led to the amazing friendships we have created over the past three years! I wouldn't have had the amazing support I do if it weren't for those friends and professors that truly cared about my educational future and success." 💛🖤

Courtney, what you have done over these past three years is nothing short of remarkable. You showed up for your education the same way you show up for your family — fully, fiercely, and with so much love. The little ones you will serve in your career are gaining an educator who truly understands what it means to pour yourself into something that matters. Wilkes County, be so proud! Congratulations, Courtney, this one is so well earned!

05/05/2026

Road to Graduation | Meet Khloe Mohan! 🎓

Khloe is a Literacy Education Masters student and we are so excited to celebrate her and the passion she has brought to this program every step of the way!

"I loved getting to continue my education to learn how to better support students in Language Arts, as well as learning techniques to assist Emergent Bilingual Students in the classroom!" 💛🖤

Khloe, the students who walk into your classroom — especially those navigating language in more ways than one — are going to be so fortunate to have an educator who sought out the knowledge and skills to meet them exactly where they are. That is a gift. Congratulations, Khloe — we are so incredibly proud of you!

05/04/2026

Road to Graduation | Meet Emma Wille! 🎓

Emma is a Special Education Masters student and we are absolutely delighted to celebrate her and the joy she has clearly brought to this entire journey!

"During my time at App State, I have loved getting to meet so many new people and have such wonderful experiences! My favorite learning experience was student teaching and taking a field trip to the apple orchard with my students — we had such a blast!!" 💛🖤

Emma, the warmth and pure joy you bring to this work is such a gift. Your students are not just going to learn in your classroom — they are going to love being there. Congratulations, Emma, we are so proud of you and we cannot wait to celebrate you!

05/04/2026

Road to Graduation | Meet Dayani Jordan! 🎓✨

Dayani is a Child & Family Science Undergraduate student and we are so thrilled to celebrate her as she closes this chapter that has clearly meant the world to her!

"I really loved all the opportunities that were always open to students. Having resources like the Career Development Center was so helpful and made it a lot easier to feel prepared for the obstacles that were coming my way. I also love that campus is in the mountains because it's so beautiful and peaceful — it makes it such a nice place to be every day. The Reich College of Education especially felt like a tight-knit community. I still talk to professors I've had outside of class, which always made me feel included and valued. My classes were also very hands-on, which made learning more fun and meaningful. I've truly enjoyed my time at App State and it's bittersweet graduating!" 💛🖤

Dayani, the gratitude and reflection you carry as you walk across that stage is such a beautiful thing. You came to App State, you grew, you thrived, and now you get to take all of that out into the world with you. Congratulations — we are so incredibly proud of you!

05/01/2026

Road to Graduation | Meet Madison Hay! 🎓

Madison is a Special Education Masters student and we are just so proud to be cheering her on as she hits this amazing milestone!

"I loved my professors! They were so helpful, and I feel prepared to take on my own classroom. They showed that they care about me and want me to be a successful educator. They really made my time at App State special!" 💛🖤

Madison, you came into this program and you leave it confident, prepared, and ready to make a real impact. Your own classroom is waiting, and those students have no idea how lucky they are about to be. Congratulations, we are so excited for everything ahead of you! 🎉

04/30/2026

Road to Graduation | Meet Gabbe Jennings! 🎓

Gabbe is a Special Education Masters student and we are absolutely beaming with pride as she reaches this incredible milestone!

"My favorite experience from App was the people within the program. Every one of my professors were beyond supportive and by the end of it felt like a big family to me! Not only the professors, but my peers! I have made lifelong connections and I will forever be thankful for my experience at App State and it will always shape who I am and the teacher I will be!" 💛🖤

Gabbe, the warmth and gratitude you have for this experience says everything about the kind of person and educator you are. Your future students are getting someone who truly understands the power of community, connection, and belonging. We cannot wait to celebrate you! Congratulations! 🎉