Alex Hobgood ('18) came to App State from the eastern part of NC, near Greenville, and completed her student teaching at Watauga High School. Alex currently works at Franklin Academy (Wake Forest, NC) where she teaches World History for the social studies department.
How did ASU prepare you for a career in History/Social Studies Education?
Alex Hobgood: App State has prepared me for my career in History/Social Studies Education more than I ever realized during my time as an undergrad. All of the lesson planning, history papers, and field experience absolutely paid off. App State challenged my comfort zone and empowered me to keep a strong focus on student-centered learning. The professors and staff are extremely present and invested in App students’ development. App has provided me with experience, skills, resources, and life-long friends.
Why did you decide to become a History/Social Studies Educator?
AH: I decided to become a History/Social Studies Educator because understanding humanity is essential to social, political, and economic citizenship. I have a conviction to inquire why things are the way they are today, and I strive to embody that mindset of lifelong learning to students. My goal is to empower students to critically think about the world around them, and to be able to trace conflicts that they encounter to the origins. Social Studies is the most effective way to prepare students for the real world, and yes I am biased.
What excites you the most about working with students?
AH: What excites me most about working with high school students in a social studies classroom is watching them build their own understanding of the world. By being challenged to view the world from a different perspective and to not simply accept it at face value, students come to unique conclusions and can contribute to new ideas. I love inquiring about history with students and learning from them.
Alex Hobgood
