Creating an Outdoor Learning Classroom: From Grant Vision to Student Impact This breakout session showcases the development of an outdoor learning classroom funded through the AIM Grant at a rural high school in Ashe County, North Carolina. The project transformed a courtyard into a flexible instructional space that supports hands-on learning, student engagement, and college and career readiness. Participants will learn practical strategies for planning, implementing, and sustaining outdoor learning environments, as well as lessons learned throughout the process. Attendees will leave with ideas they can adapt to their own schools to expand experiential learning opportunities beyond the traditional classroom.
High School Agriculture Teacher, Ashe County High School
Nikki Eason is a high school agriculture teacher in Ashe County, North Carolina, teaching Animal Science and Horticulture. She holds a degree in agricultural education and focuses on creating hands-on, student-centered learning environments. Through the AIM Grant, she led the development... Read More →
This engaging breakout session equips educators with innovative, hands-on strategies to strengthen students’ social-emotional skills through both nature-based learning and immersive technology. Participants will explore the design and implementation of a gardening-focused SEL group, where students build self-regulation, responsibility, patience, and teamwork while nurturing living plants. Practical tips, lesson ideas, and structures for integrating gardening into the school day will be shared, making it accessible for a variety of school settings. In addition, this session introduces a powerful professional development approach using Virtual Reality to build empathy and deepen staff understanding of student experiences. Attendees will learn how VR scenarios can simulate real-life challenges—such as trauma, stress, and unmet basic needs—helping educators reflect on their responses and strengthen relationships with students. By combining experiential learning with cutting-edge technology, this session provides tools to foster connection, compassion, and emotional growth in both students and staff. Participants will leave with ready-to-use ideas, increased awareness, and a renewed sense of purpose in supporting the whole child.
Brittany Perry is a school social worker with 13 years of experience, including 8 years serving students in middle school, high school, and early college settings. She is passionate about helping young people reconnect with who they are, build resilience, and learn life skills that... Read More →
Autumn Chamberlain brings over 12 years of experience in social work, serving children, families, and vulnerable individuals through roles as a school social worker, with Child Protective Services, Adult Protective Services, and in an Assisted Living environment. Guided by her Christian... Read More →
STEM Bridges addresses the critical intersection of language acquisition and content mastery through a district-wide initiative serving multilingual learners in rural Ashe County, North Carolina. This session presents a model for creating portable STEM learning kits that circulate among educators, students, and families—transforming how schools support vocabulary development in all curricular areas. Participants will explore strategies for making abstract terminology concrete through visual learning tools, hands-on manipulatives, and family engagement workshops. The program builds sustainable systems for collaboration between ESL educators, content teachers, and media specialists. Attendees will leave with ideas for designing visual vocabulary resources, practical frameworks for facilitating family STEM nights, and creating cross-departmental professional learning communities. This session demonstrates how strategic resource sharing and culturally responsive teaching practices can dismantle language barriers that prevent students from accessing rigorous STEM coursework and future career opportunities.
Media Coordinator/SparkLab Leader, Ashe County High School
Tonya Denny, a native of Ashe County, North Carolina, serves in dual roles as Media Coordinator and SparkLab Leader at Ashe County High School. After earning her Bachelor's degree in K-6 Education and Master's degree in Library Science from Appalachian State University, Tonya has... Read More →
