Sarah Tucker is a family and consumer science teacher at Davie County High School. She teaches students the basics about food, including an understanding of food preparation and safety. She also teaches parenting and child development, in which her students learn about all life stages — from conception to early childhood.

What do you love best about the work you do?

What I love most about what I do is knowing that you really do make a difference in your students’ lives. That can simply mean that you were the only person who asked how their day was, or that you inspired a student to achieve a goal. I also love connecting what we learn in the classroom with what students are doing outside the classroom.

When you teach practical life skills, like how to make food and parenting skills, it is something you can incorporate and use in daily life. So, it is great to think that I have potentially impacted many generations to come after they leave my class.

What aspects of your Appalachian education best prepared you for your career?

When I started taking education classes at Appalachian, I loved learning the theories and how various professors shaped my pedagogy around teaching. It really reflects how I treat students and how I conduct class. Once you’ve learned pedagogy, you come to plenty of opportunities to observe and apply teaching methods through your field experiences. By the time I got to student teaching, I was already comfortable with the classroom setting and sharing all the content knowledge I had gained.

Why did you choose Appalachian as a prospective student?

I chose Appalachian as a prospective student because I knew I wanted to teach, and the university was known for it. Appalachian’s reputation speaks for itself in that regard. They did an excellent job making me feel prepared to start teaching. I fell in love with the campus; it felt like home. The faculty and staff really made a big impact on me. They really cared about not only my success but my well-being, too.

Were you involved on campus as a student leader? 

I was president of the Student Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (SAFCS) and spent a lot time volunteering and donating for organizations like the Humane Society and Angel Tree.

Describe your experiences at Appalachian — what were the faculty like, how did they help you learn, mentor you, etc.?

The faculty is what makes these programs at Appalachian exceptional. My professors wanted nothing but the best for each of us and it really showed. The professors were teachers first, of course, and they conduct their classes as so. They know that inspiring students to become great teachers, makes great teachers which give our students, and our future, the best opportunity possible.

My professor in family and consumer science, Dr. Lee, is an excellent professor and an advocate of our profession. My professor in career and technical education, Dr. Taylor, was also an exceptional advocate for career and technical education, and truly showed me how important education is. Both as professors and counselors, they positively make an impact on your teaching.

Why should today’s students interested in your field choose Appalachian?

Appalachian really does shape the best teachers. I know the faculty and staff go above and beyond the call of duty for each of their students, and it shows by what students accomplish. FCS isn’t offered at many other schools. The professors are long-time teachers who know exactly what you need to be successful in teaching, especially in FCS.

Is there anything else you’d like to say about this degree program or your Appalachian experience?

Receiving my family and consumer sciences degree at Appalachian State truly helped me find my purpose in life, with plenty of theory and practice to back it up. I am confident in the classroom, and it has giving me the courage and tenacity to accomplish other goals.