Buzzwords, catch phrases, and hot topics come and go in all areas of life.
In education, an important phrase we all strive to achieve and maintain is student-centered learning – a practice of recognizing each student’s interests, abilities, challenges, and learning styles and helping those students, as individuals, learn and grow through their own educational experiences.
This week’s Leaders in Our Schools spotlights Cane River Middle School Principal Rebecca Fox. An administrator who practices student-centered leadership with a great drive and passion.
In the next couple of weeks, first-time Principal Fox will be welcoming staff and students into the hallways and classrooms of Cane River Middle School. Hallways and classrooms that she began her career with Yancey County Schools in 2001 as a teacher in the Exceptional Children’s Program working with students at Cane River Middle and Bald Creek Elementary.
“I didn’t really choose EC, it chose me. When I graduated from UNC-Asheville with a degree in Psychology, I was offered the job as lead teacher for Yancey County Head Start. It was there that I met Sandra Orr, the YCS preschool EC teacher. She spoke with me about the Exceptional Children’s Program and felt that I should apply for a position in the school system. I was offered a job as a lateral entry and never looked back. I have loved everything about working with students with special needs,” Fox said. After discovering her calling in life, Fox earned her certification in K-12 Exceptional Children, Middle Grades Language Arts, and Middle Grades Mathematics. She then earned her Master’s Degree in School Administration from Western Carolina University.
Fox transferred to the EC program at Burnsville Elementary School in 2009, and in 2015 had the opportunity to serve as interim assistant principal for six months before returning to the classroom. Those six months changed everything for her. “I’ve always wanted to make an impact on my students. The opportunity to serve as assistant principal made me realize that I could make much more of a difference and touch far more students as an administrator than by staying in my classroom,” Fox said. Having a student-centered focus and background in exceptional children education has helped her to connect and communicate with students, seeing the whole child, and helping them see what they need to be successful in school and in life.
In 2017, Fox transitioned to assistant principal at Mountain Heritage High School. Never known for being one to back down from a challenge, Fox embraced the new role that allowed her to reconnect with many of her former students from Burnsville Elementary. Fox was able to watch her former students mature, to overcome personal challenges and obstacles, and to earn their high school diploma. Watching the students walk across the graduation stage was an incredible experience for her. Fox states, “There aren’t many educators that get the opportunity to watch kids grow from the seed to the flower, but I have been blessed with such an opportunity”.
“Rebecca Fox brings an amazing energy and work ethic every day. She sees through rose colored glasses and the rose is every student. She has the unique ability to ensure every student is cared for while not sacrificing the accountability that helps them become successful…. A wonderful administrator and a better person,” states Kevin Huskins.
Married to Cleve Fox with two sons, rising 12th grader Gavin and 7th grader Luke, Fox loves time with her family. When she isn’t working, she’s a typical mom and you will find her with her boys. She enjoys camping, baking, and watching Gavin and Luke grow in their hobbies, talents, and aspirations.
Fox is no stranger to hard work and overcoming obstacles to reach her goals. She grew up in Hot Springs, NC, and is a first generation college graduate. “I was blessed with teachers that went out of their way to encourage me, find resources for me, and walk with me throughout my school career. Teachers took me to church on Sundays, competitions on Saturdays, and believed in me Monday through Friday. Had it not been for them, I’m not sure where I would’ve landed.”
Fox understands the importance of education. She has made it her mission to teach and lead as a student-centered professional and ensure that ALL students receive the best education possible. She WILL continue that mission as principal at Cane River Middle School – because that’s just who she is and how she operates.
