Culture

How UNC Asheville is shaping the next generation of educators 🍎

Presented by an AVLtoday Partner

An aerial view of UNC Asheville's campus

Thinking about becoming a Bulldog? Enrollment is currently open at UNC Asheville. | Photo by Reggie Tidwell

UNC Asheville’s teacher licensure program helps prep future educators with the best tools + knowledge they’ll need to succeed in the classroom. Graduates of the four-year program earn both a bachelor’s degree in a specific subject and a teaching license, making them marketable in two areas.

Sounds like a good deal, right? Well, don’t just take our word for it — meet three educators from the program who are making an impact in the classroom (and the community).

Sarah Laws, Environmental Science teacher at Mountain Heritage High School (Class of 2012)

Sarah always knew that she wanted to be a teacher. She didn’t know that she would become an award-winning teacher — the Yancey County Teacher of the Year 2022 — at the high school she attended as a student.

She’s grateful for the model of UNC Asheville’s Education Department. “I love the fact that I did comprehensive science with my biology degree,” she says. The well-rounded degree exposed her to chemistry, physics, environmental science, and Earth science, in addition to her beloved biology courses. Read her full story. 🔬

Shawn Winebrenner, Visual Arts teacher at Asheville Primary School (Class of 2019)

Shawn’s journey to the classroom wasn’t so straightforward. He graduated from the Art Institute of Atlanta in the early ‘90s and became a graphic designer. In 2008, he moved to Asheville and worked in makeup artistry.

His husband suggested he pursue teaching, a career that had long appealed to him. But that would mean going back to school. Enter: UNC Asheville. Shawn pursued teacher licensure and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree — a challenging course of study, especially with the extra studio hours required, but it was all worth it to him.

“The classroom feels like home to me. That’s how I know I’m in the right place,” Shawn says. “I’m right where I’m supposed to be.” Read his full story. 🖼️

Keep reading to meet a student participating in the dual licensure program, and learn how to enroll yourself.*

MEET AN INSPIRING STUDENT

This content was created in partnership with UNC Asheville and written by Rachel Taylor-Northam.*

Click here to have your event featured.

Wednesday, Nov. 30

Intro to Rhythm and Drumming | Wednesday, Nov. 30 | 4-5 p.m. | Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St., Asheville | Free | Explore the foundations of rhythm and experiment with various drumming techniques at this educational workshop.

Thursday, Dec. 1

Kudzu Culture Fair | Thursday, Dec. 1 | 3-7 p.m. | The Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center, 455 Research Dr., Mills River | Free | Join Kudzu Culture and Cooperate WNC to learn about the ways kudzu can be harvested for crafts.
SoulKu’s 9th Annual Holiday Shopping Party | Thursday, Dec. 1 | 4-8 p.m. | The Hatch Innovation Hub, 45 South French Broad Ave. #180, Asheville | Free entry | Enjoy family + friends pricing at this holiday market, plus signature crystal cocktails, snacks, and raffle baskets.
Creativity Mixer: Grief Tending | Thursday, Dec. 1 | 7-9 p.m. | Story Parlor, 227 Haywood Rd., Asheville | $20 | This month’s creative workshop will focus on grief and will be facilitated by Story Parlor founder Erin Hallagan Clare.

Friday, Dec. 2

Miracle at Marquee | Friday, Dec. 2 | 6-9 p.m. | Marquee Asheville, 36 Foundy St., Asheville | Free | Participate in the “Uglier Sweater Competition,” shop for ornaments, sip drinks by Saint Brighid’s bar, and enjoy live music from Asheville jazz band Bill Bares Trio.
An Evening of Folk Music with Tina & Her Pony | Friday, Dec. 2 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Story Parlor, 227 Haywood Rd., Asheville | $15 | Celebrate the release of two new singles from this indie Appalachian folk band.

Saturday, Dec. 3

Ugly Sweater Run | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 8:30 a.m. | The Riveter, 701 Old Fanning Bridge Rd., Asheville | $45-$55 | Don your ugliest sweater for the second installment of this holiday 5K/10K event featuring post-race activities and sips from The Riveter.
The Big Crafty | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 12 p.m. | Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville, 87 Haywood St., Asheville | $9 | Celebrate the holidays and the creative spirit of our city while shopping selections from Asheville’s finest artists and makers.

Sunday, Dec. 4

NC Authors’ Picture Book Palooza! | Sunday, Dec. 4 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Firestorm Books, 610 Haywood Rd., Asheville | Free | Amy Cherrix, Allan Wolf, Shannon Hitchcock, and Constance Lombardo discuss their latest picture books at this virtual event — register in advance to attend.
Live From WVL Radio Theater: It’s A Wonderful Life | Sunday, Dec. 4 | 7:30-9 p.m. | The Main Stage, 743 Haywood Rd., Asheville | $20 | In this live radio play set in the 1940s, four characters take the stage to tell the story of George Bailey’s fateful Christmas Eve.

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

57º | Scattered showers | 70% chance of rain
A Code Purple has been called for today, Nov. 30. This means emergency overflow shelters will be available for anyone who is experiencing homelessness, as temperatures dip below 32 degrees in the evening. (Mountain Xpress)

Opening

Mikasa Criolla, a Peruvian eatery from Chef Santiago Vargas, will have its grand opening on Thursday, Dec. 1. The menu features empanadas, paninis, salads, ají de gallina, and classic Peruvian cocktails like the Pisco sour. 🇵🇪
Foothills Grange, a new eatery + bar from the founders of Foothills Meats, will have its grand opening on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2-8 p.m. in downtown Black Mountain. The menu includes hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches, and plenty of craft beer. There’s also a kid’s menu and heated outdoor seating. 🌭 (Mountain Xpress)

Biz

Wondering how the Asheville Mall has fared under new ownership? According to the general manager, the mall is nearly back to pre-COVID occupancy, with 90% of its 112 retail and kiosk spaces occupied. (Asheville Citizen-Times)

Outdoors

The US Forest Service has announced it will build new trail shelters in Pisgah National Forest. The Butter Gap and Deep Gap trail shelters on the Art Loeb trail will both see renovations — they’re expected to finish construction by next summer. (Asheville Citizen-Times)

Eat

The 2023 AIR Passports are now on sale. The annual card offers discounts, freebies, and buy-one-get-one deals at dozens of Asheville eateries. Purchase one online or at The Asheville Shop (36 Montford Ave.). 🎫

Announced

Take your love for AVLtoday to the next level by joining our new membership program. Support local journalism while enjoying perks like: exclusive birthday deals, shoutouts on our member wall, discounts from our online shop (Six & Main) + more. 🎉

Ranked

No. 6. That’s the ranking that UNC Asheville recently earned in College Raptor’s list of “Hidden Gem Colleges for the Middle Class.” We might be a little biased, but we have to say Asheville is a fun + interesting place to study and get your degree. Interested in becoming a Bulldog? Learn more. 🏅*

Try This

Candlelight Christmas Evenings, roaring fires, and Biltmore’s world-famous hospitality? Sign us up. Read our full guide to experiencing the holiday luxury of Biltmore, Annual Passholder-style. Pro tip: If you’ve been thinking about becoming a Passholder, the time is now — their Fall Sale (read: $90 in savings) ends today. 🎄 *

Seasonal

We’re all about staying warm throughout the colder months, which means we’re leveling up our typical outerwear to something a little toastier. Enter: heated jackets. We love this one for its three different heat levels and this slim fit option with 5,000+ five star reviews.*

Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

All about the NewSong Music Competition

See these 8 emerging singer-songwriters at the NewSong Music Competition

Kristian Phillip Valentino NewSong Music Competition

The Asheville-based Kristian Phillip Valentino incorporates indie folk, singer-songwriter, and Americana into his music. | Photo provided

Did you know that Asheville is home to one of the top emerging artist showcases in the country?

In 2018, the internationally renowned NewSong Music Performance and Songwriting Competition moved from NYC’s Lincoln Center to the 828 — and every year since then, Ashevillians have had the privilege of seeing this showcase of top talent unfold.

This year’s event marks NewSong’s 21st year and takes place Saturday, Dec. 3 at Citizen Vinyl. The eight contestants represent everywhere from Oakland, CA to Guelph, Ontario, (not to mention, two WNC artists).

They’ll all be competing for a coveted grand prize: a six-song EP, 500 vinyl records pressed at Citizen Vinyl, and featured paid performances at the Sundance Festival and Art Brookfield’s concert series in New York City.

Keep on reading to learn more about each of the eight finalists and how you can snag tickets for the performances.

MEET THE MUSICIANS

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Laura.

Editor’s pick: Have you checked out Shiloh & Gaines yet? The new pub and coffee shop opened earlier this week — here’s a sneak peek.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Catch up on 40 ways to volunteer in Asheville, here.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Laura Hackett, Brook Bolen, Sarah Leonhardt, Erin McPherson, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Helen Purnell | Advertise with us.

ADVERTISE | SHOP | CAREERS | ETHICS

Did a friend forward this free newsletter to you?

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY