Groce, who joined Appalachian’s faculty in 2004, received the college’s Outstanding Teaching Award.

Groce’s teaching, research and service focus primarily on elementary level social studies. He aims to provide preservice teachers with opportunities to develop the creative and critical thought processes necessary to plan and deliver engaging lessons. To this end, he helps prepare his students for the challenges of their own classrooms by integrating his classroom experience and expertise in children’s trade books, primary sources, experiential learning and field trips into his courses.

“I am deeply honored to receive this award,” Groce said. “Every day I walk into this college, I am in the midst of outstanding teachers. To be recognized for my own teaching among such talented colleagues is quite a humbling experience – I’m not even the best teacher in my own home.”

Koppenhaver, who joined Appalachian’s faculty in 2004, received the college’s Outstanding Mentoring Award.

Koppenhaver’s research focuses on literacy in children with significant disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities, complex communication needs and multiple disabilities. In 1990, he co-founded the Center for Literacy and Disability Studies at UNC Chapel Hill. In 2002, he was a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Queensland in Australia.

“Winning this award means that I’ve had some really talented students with whom to collaborate,” Koppenhaver said. “They have asked great questions, identified creative solutions to complex problems, put in long hours honing both their teaching and scholarship and kept me more organized than I can keep myself. Their intellect, energy, commitment and ambition push me daily to seek out worthwhile projects and new professional opportunities to continue to broaden and deepen their already impressive skillsets.”

Poling, who joined Appalachian’s faculty in 2010, received the Outstanding Service Award.

Poling’s research interests include using mathematics to explore issues of social justice, development of preservice teachers’ knowledge of mathematics and how teachers define their sense of responsibility in teaching mathematics.

Poling is associate vice president for awards for the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (AMTE). She is secretary for the North Carolina affiliate of AMTE.

“The idea of service is part of the Reich College of Education’s Mission and Vision Statements,” she said. “Therefore, in providing service to others I hope to model the leadership we espouse in our students. When thinking about all of the service engagement within the Reich College of Education, I am humbled to be selected.”

Bryson, at Appalachian since 2012, received the Outstanding Scholarship/Creative Achievement Award.

Bryson’s research focuses on inclusive diversity, equity and social justice, with a particular emphasis on racial literacy and racial equity in society and in all levels of education. She has published numerous manuscripts, articles and book chapters. She has made over 30 presentations at conferences around the world.

“This award keeps me motivated to persevere in the difficult work of deeply understanding how injustice is embedded in institutions and to continue to educate and effect change for inclusive excellence,” Bryson said.

Hardin, hired by the college in 2014, holds a master’s degree in reading education from Appalachian. She received the Outstanding Adjunct or Instructor/Clinical Faculty Award.

Hardin’s research interests include writing development and instruction for intermediate and middle grades students, teaching and learning through technology and new literacies, literacy professional development and teacher education as well as interdisciplinary approaches to reading, writing and the utilization of children’s literature.

“I am truly honored to be selected by my colleagues and students for a teaching award and to be in the same company with those that have won the award prior to me,” she said. “Teacher education is my passion and I am inspired to give my best by my excellent students and other talented faculty.”