It’s a new school year, and this year as every year we welcome into our fold the brightest and best teachers, eager to open young minds and nurture Buncombe County’s students.
Zoe Mehdi, beginning teacher at Joe P. Eblen Intermediate School , chose BCS not just for the beautiful mountain views, but also the community of teachers, students, staff and administration. “I really loved Asheville, and I have never felt so supported by a community of a county. It’s been awesome.”
Mehdi graduated from Western Carolina University, with three awards: “Outstanding Senior in Elementary Education”, “Outstanding Prospective Teacher”, and the “Soaring High Award”. She comes to Eblen as a fifth grade math teacher, eager to teach her first cohort of students. “I think this class will be one I’ll never forget. I’m so excited to get to know them and see what they bring to the classroom.”
She describes her fellow teachers as a “family” that has embraced her as she has come into her role as a beginning teacher (BT). “There are so many supports for new teachers here,” she said. “As a BT, it’s really comforting to know that there’s people you can lean on to help you. Everyone here at Eblen Intermediate has been so sweet and supportive - making sure I’m comfortable and have everything I need to start my first year off great.”
There are a total of 74 first year teachers in BCS. Our first, second, and third year teachers receive support, coaching, and mentorship throughout their beginning teacher journey.