Heather Childress supports the self-directed professional learning of middle school teachers in western North Carolina through the Empowering Teacher Learning Project at Appalachian State University.
She holds North Carolina Department of Public Instruction licensure in Academically/Intellectually Gifted (K-12), Middle Grades Language Arts (6-9), and English (9-12), as well as National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification in Early Adolescence/English Language Arts. Heather’s experience in the classroom spans two decades working with students at the elementary, middle, high school, and college levels.
Professionally, Heather thrives on developing curriculum, reading young adult literature, and building meaningful connections with students, colleagues, and collaborators. Her most recent research examines place-based writing as a resistance strategy and presents a cohort model for teacher-authorship of educator professional development.
Outside of work, Heather is happiest outdoors. She thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2022 and remains closely connected to the AT community in Franklin, where she lives. This time of year, Heather especially enjoys catching outdoor music events and putzing around in her yard and flower beds.
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