The Appalachian State University Academy at Middle Fork, located in Walkertown, North Carolina, serves approximately 300 K–5 students and is piloting an innovative teaching model, as described in an Appalachian Today article.
Rather than a single teacher handling all responsibilities for one classroom for one grade, a team of educators supports student learning across two combined grade levels — such as kindergarten and first grades, or second and third grades.
Each grade span benefits from the expertise of a curriculum coach, an interventionist, four teachers, a teacher assistant, an academic tutor, and specialists in subject-specific areas, including science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
“At the Academy at Middle Fork, we set out to address issues of isolation, burnout and overall working conditions for teachers,” says Academy at Middle Fork Director Hannah Reeder, assistant dean in the Reich College of Education. “When teachers are supported and confident, that makes the job more manageable, which directly impacts student learning and improves student outcomes.”
The Academy at Middle Fork launched its strategic staffing model in fall 2023, promoting co-teaching, co-planning and collaborative data analysis while providing ongoing professional learning.
Restructuring the instructional week is a key component of this model. Fridays are designated as Enrichment Days. Teachers use the day to analyze student performance, plan future instruction and collaborate on interventions through co-planning. Students can focus on areas for which they may need more individualized attention, instruction or further exploration of subject areas.
In a grade span model, teachers collaborate to support students through project-based learning, small-group instruction and individualized interventions for reading and math. Teachers can learn from one another while contributing individual strengths.
“Grade spans have allowed students to receive instruction tailored to their needs,” says RaChelle Wood, a kindergarten–first grade team teacher. “Teachers also gain professional growth opportunities by observing and learning from one another.”
The Academy at Middle Fork teachers have seen significant improvements in student engagement, academic performance, and confidence, knowing they’re in groups with peers at similar levels.
Students also notice the benefits.
“Learning is different for us each day,” says fifth grade academy student Core. “We learn things using different types of strategies with a variety of teachers. We take tests on our level and then work to get better at those levels. We never do the same thing — it’s always a new way to learn.”
“In reading and math workshops, we get a chance to work with lots of teachers and they help us in different ways. If I don’t understand it one way, there may be someone else who can help in another way,” said fifth grade student Monah.
U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean praised App State for developing a model to support teacher retention.
“By reimagining the traditional model of one teacher-one classroom, new approaches can provide teachers and students room to flourish,” Bean said. “It’s time to think boldly and spotlight changes that will not only bring more people into the teaching profession but will also ensure that they want to stay there.”
Appalachian Today
