2020 T.O.Y. Finalist: Ashley Benson

Ashley Benson 

First Grade Teacher, Achieve Charter Academy

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.