When Ashley entered the workforce, teaching jobs were hard to come by - and on a leap of faith, she took an opportunity at Achieve as a Paraprofessional, working in a classroom alongside a teacher. In reflection, that year was one of the best decisions of her life, as it gave her a peek into life as a teacher in a way that student teaching never could. When a teaching role eventually opened up, she was eager to join the educator team - feeling incredibly supported by her Administration and the National Heritage Academies network. Over the years, she has become known as the teacher who educates with her heart, investing in relationship building (especially with the kiddos who need it most). She uses the 2x10 approach to reach her most challenging students, spending two minutes every day (for ten days) talking to them about everything non-school related, building trust and breaking down barriers. Nearly six years later, she's highly involved in her school community - her favorite project being Diversity Night, where parents are invited to fill a classroom with food, decor and other elements from their culture.
I choose to teach at my charter school because of the unwavering support that I am surrounded by - from the very beginning, when I started as a paraprofessional. Sometimes in those support roles, you can be overlooked - but I always felt as though the team wanted to see me grow. The opportunities to grow here are constant, and that is so invaluable. My administration is always thinking about what’s best for kids, and what’s best for us as educators.
As soon as we knew that Friday, that we were not going to be returning the following Monday, our copy room was full of us educators - just trying to prepare packets as fast as we could, not knowing how long the closure would last. We jumped right in, and now are up and running with Google Classroom and a number of other tools. But beyond that, my focus has really been on trying to find ways to stay connected with my kids, with my families - I think that’s what we need in our lives right now, even beyond the classroom. Human connection.
Teaching a reading lesson to my 2018/19 class.
Group photo from my wedding celebration with my 2019/20 class.
Students working together with math manipulatives during math workshop.
Students participating in "Contraction Surgery".
My 2019/20 class on the first day of school!
Our principal, Mrs. Conley reading as a "Mystery Reader" during Reading Month in March!
A group of my students who just finished performing their Reader's Theater skit.
Students looking for moths that are camouflaged in the trees during science.
Students working together at the beginning of the year on a Partner Venn- a fun way to get to know our new classmates!
Students working on their Listening Center during ELA workshop.
My 2018/19 class dressed up like book characters for Reading Month!
Students using manipulatives to solve math stories.
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Check out this collection of photos, submitted by Ashley, and get a peek into her life as an teacher!
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Hear from Achieve Charter Academy parent, Chitrarekha Chaudhari, why Ashley is deserving of the 2020 TOY Award!
Michigan's Charter School Association
123 W Allegan, Ste 750
Lansing, MI 48933
Ph: (517) 374-9167