Education: B.A. from University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (major in History, minor in Religious Studies), M.A. from Duke University (Teaching History)
Certifications: NC Teaching Certification Social Studies Grades 6-12, National Board Certified Teacher, Wilderness First Responder, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, ACA Level 4 Kayak Instructor, PSIA Level 1 Ski Instructor, PADI Level 2 Advanced Freediver.
Other Distinctions & Specialties: Heath served seven years in the North Carolina Army National Guard and completed two combat tours in Iraq. He is a graduate of the U.S. Army’s Warrior Leader Course.
More About Heath: Among Heath Alexander’s profound joys of teaching at FBRA is the experience of guiding a group of students down a deep philosophical hole in a rigorous academic setting one day, but then leading those same students down a wilderness river the next. Heath loves to see his students develop the skills to move through challenging terrain gracefully and powerfully –in other words, to surf; whether on river waves, ski hills, rock faces, or ideas. Heath has seen students transform and grow into more complex people both while exploring a text around a seminar table and while perfecting a paddle stroke in a rapid.
Heath is a North Carolina native. Prior to joining FBRA, Heath taught high school history for six years, including American History, World History, and AP Human Geography in Buncombe County Schools. During his tenure in the public school system, Heath created an outdoor adventure program for his students, involving rock climbing, backpacking, skiing, and paddling adventures. During summer breaks, he worked as a rock climbing guide for Camp Mondamin and as a raft guide for the Nantahala Outdoor Center on the Pigeon River. Heath’s lifelong passion for alpine pursuits began when his sergeant from Iraq taught him to rock climb; this passion has taken him to rock and ice all over the world. Of note, he has summited El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, Mt. Rainier in Washington, and Mt. Whitney in California.
Heath lives in Asheville with his partner, Susan, and their rad kids, Thomas and Charlotte. He is an avid kayaker, canoeist, climber, and skier.