Sydney Bronack ('18) completing her clinical field experience (student teaching) at Watauga High School. A graduate of Raleigh Charter High School, Sydney excelled during her time in the History Department and hopes to share her enthusiasm for history and social studies with students.
She lives in Charlotte, NC. In Fall 2019, she will begin teaching social studies at Corvian Community School - a new charter school in northern Mecklenberg County.
How has ASU prepared you for a career in History/Social Studies Education?
Sydney Bronack: I feel that I could not have made a better decision in choosing ASU to prepare me for a career in education. The staff in the history department constantly went above and beyond to facilitate my learning and to expose me to the endless possibilities within the world of education. The members of the History Department are honestly some of the smartest people I know and I feel as if I have learned how to teach history in the classroom from some of the best teachers out there.
Why did you decide to become a History/Social Studies Educator?
SB: I decided to become a History/Social Studies educator because I had always wanted to be a teacher. I started my career at ASU as an Elementary Education major but I couldn't bring myself to focus on anything other than history so I decided to switch to Secondary Education. I have always been interested in history, so becoming a History/Social Studies teacher seemed like the best way to combine my two passions.
What excites you the most about working with students?
SB: I am probably most excited about building relationships with students and watching them become active and knowledgeable citizens of the world. The main goal of my classroom is going to be encouraging civic duty and awareness amongst my students. I believe the best way to become an active citizen in ones' own environment is to have a solid understanding of both local and global history. I am excited to facilitate that understanding amongst my students.
What advice would you provide students interested in majoring in History and History/Social Studies Education?
SB: I would tell them to go for it! The best education I have ever received is from the History Department at ASU. If your passion is history, than there is no better place for you. You will be among experienced and knowledgeable professors who have your best interest at heart and are just as excited about history as you.
Why should high school students consider Appalachian State University?
SB: High school students should consider ASU because of the educational environment. All the professors here care about you and will go above and beyond to help you succeed in whatever major you choose. They genuinely care about you, your goals, and your future. I don't think I would have gotten such a high-quality education anywhere else.
Sydney Bronack
