Faculty

Heather Soja,
Biology and Focus Program Lead Teacher

Heather Soja is a native North Carolinian and resides with her family near Seagrove, N.C. She received her bachelor’s degree in Biology from UNC-Wilmington and earned her M. Ed in Curriculum and Instruction in Science from UNC-Greensboro. She earned National Board Certification in 2004. She has a passion for the sciences and enjoys spending time doing field ecology work with her family when the opportunity arises.

Heather is excited about The Zoo School because of the opportunity for students to learn in an engaging, non-traditional classroom with a curriculum that truly integrates relevant science content. She feels that this unique setting will provide students with the freedom to learn by doing while simultaneously developing relevant conceptual constructs needed to assimilate and then apply such knowledge.

Rhonda Dillingham, English

Rhonda Dillingham graduated from Greensboro College with honors in 1996 with a B.A. in secondary English education. A native of Greensboro, Rhonda has been employed at Asheboro High School since 1997 and earned her National Board Certification in November 2005. Rhonda enjoys reading and discussing cont ,emporary fiction, cooking for her family, and participating in church activities.

As a member of The Zoo School, Rhonda’s purpose for participating is reflected in a portion of Henry David Thoreau’s Walden: “If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.” She believes the zoo affords a unique place for students to develop their strengths and to create a meaningful, personal context for learning.

LOWELL POCOCK, SOCIAL STUDIES

Lowell Pocock was born in Northern Indiana and moved to Randolph County in 1992. He is a graduate of Asheboro High School class of 1999. After graduating AHS, Mr. Pocock attended Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee, where he achieved his Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Development with a focus on Education. Mr. Pocock returned to Asheboro City Schools after completing his undergraduate degree and taught 5th grade at Balfour Elementary School. The following year he accepted a position at Asheboro High School teaching Social Studies. Since becoming a teacher at AHS, Mr. Pocock has had many exciting events take place, though no

“I am excited about the opportunity to approach Social Studies education in a unique and challenging environment. I enjoy taking part in camping, hiking, and many other outdoor activities. I also enjoy traveling the world and have been involved in adventures to China, Africa, and many European countries. I hope to bring my love of travel and nature into the classroom to enrich the educational experience for the students. I believe the sky is the limit for every student at the AHS Zoo School and I look forward to working with each one of them to achieve new heights.”

John Phillips, Math

Robin Lucas, School Secretary