Educators from Surry County Schools discuss what they love about the epic academy professional development program. Key points mentioned include enjoying the flexibility to learn at their own pace, having choice in what topics they learn about, finding the competitiveness and ability to earn badges as motivators, and valuing the relevance of the content to their teaching. Many educators note they prefer this model over traditional professional development.

1. What Surry County Schools
Educators Are Saying About
epic academy

2. What SCS Educators Are Saying…
“I love my physical vinyl badges
and that I can do it on my own
time.”
-Stephanie Bode, Elementary Digital Learning and
Media Innovation Facilitator
epicacademy.info

3. What SCS Educators Are Saying…
“I love that I get to choose what I
want to learn about.”
-Victoria Calhoun, High School Teacher
epicacademy.info

4. What SCS Educators Are Saying…
“ I love the competitiveness of it!
We challenge each other as
educators to continue improving
for our students! 💕”
-Maggie McKee, High School Teacher
epicacademy.info

5. What SCS Educators Are Saying…
“I love that it's not mandatory. I
don't feel like I ‘have’ to do it
and that makes me WANT to do
it!”
-Alicia Ray, Lead Digital Learning and Media
Innovation Facilitator
epicacademy.info

6. What SCS Educators Are Saying…
“Choice and personal
competitiveness!”
-Shannon Snow, Middle School Digital Learning
and Media Innovation Facilitator
epicacademy.info

7. What SCS Educators Are Saying…
“I will add that I really dread
traditional professional
development. I like EPIC because I
can do it at home. I love that I can
just do a little here and there. I
also appreciate the depth of
offerings.”
Tonya Fletcher, Elementary Digital Learning and
Media Innovation Facilitator

8. What SCS Educators Are Saying…
“Self paced and I can do it on my
time! (And I want alllll the
badges)”
-Anya Tilley-Martin, High School Science
epicacademy.info

9. What SCS Educators Are Saying…
“I love that it is self-paced, no
pressure to do it, and it’s topics
I’m passionate about.”
Ashley Talbott, Elementary Teacher
epicacademy.info

10. What SCS Educators Are Saying…
“It is relevant PD and offers
choice.”
-Donna Bledsoe, Elementary Principal
epicacademy.info

11. What SCS Educators Are Saying…
“It is so relevant to my students I
WILL use it.”
Paula Sigmon, Elementary Teacher
epicacademy.info

12. What SCS Educators Are Saying…
“I love that you get to choose to
complete what you want. The
excitement and competition of
getting new badges is such a
motivator.”
Holli Hudson, Middle School Teacher
epicacademy.info

13. What SCS Educators Are Saying…
“I love that it challenges me to
take risks in my classroom. I
would have never tried or even
known about these topics/
resources if it were not for EPIC.”
Ashley Talbott, Elementary Teacher
epicacademy.info

14. What SCS Educators Are Saying…
“CHOICE. It is relevant, and self-
paced.”
Ashley Talbott, Elementary Teacher
epicacademy.info

15. What SCS Educators Are Saying…
“I love that I can choose and
progress at my own pace. I can fit
professional development into my
schedule. It also sparks new and
fresh ideas into my lessons each
day. Plus the competition is a big
motivation!”
Theresa Atkins, Middle School Teaching Assistant

16. What SCS Educators Are Saying…
“I feel like I have grown as an
educator since starting EPIC. I like
that it is non-threatening. I doubt
I would have done so many if
there were requirements
attached.”
Tonya Fletcher, Elementary Digital Learning and
Media Innovation Facilitator

17. What SCS Educators Are Saying…
“I have been teaching 27 years and
it is by far the best staff
development that I have ever
been involved in! Epic Academy is
not only helping me grow, it is
helping my students and others
grow as well.”
Tammy Taylor, Middle School Teacher

18. What SCS Educators Are Saying…
“I just started this week and I
honestly have learned so much,
but I will be honest the badges
keep me wanting more.”
Carmen Chamberlain, Elementary Teacher
epicacademy.info

19. What SCS Educators Are Saying…
“Competition, adding badges, XP,
new ideas.”
Summer Kreeger, Elementary Teacher
epicacademy.info

20. What SCS Educators Are Saying…
“Choice and completing badges is
a neat reward.”
Justin Collins, Middle School Teacher
epicacademy.info

21. What SCS Educators Are Saying…
“I love the competition and
earning more badges!”
Jessica Dunlap, Elementary Teacher
epicacademy.info

22. What SCS Educators Are Saying…
“I love the competition and
earning more badges!”
Jessica Dunlap, Elementary Teacher
epicacademy.info

23. What SCS Educators Are Saying…
“I love that it’s self-paced!”
Sherry Turner, Middle School Teacher
epicacademy.info

24. What SCS Educators Are Saying…
“I love the badges and competing
against co-workers.”
Emily Owens, High School Teacher
epicacademy.info

25. What SCS Educators Are Saying…
“Learning practical skills that
aren't taught at grad school.”
Mandy Patton, Elementary Media Coordinator
epicacademy.info