by Bryan Jones
To be recognized as a good teacher is an honor. To be recognized as one of the best in a particular region amounts to nothing short of a weight of glory. On September 9, 2014, University of West Georgia alum Ashley Strickland was given this recognition at the Carrollton Board of Education’s monthly meeting when she was named Carrollton City Schools Teacher of the Year.
Ashley, having already been named 2014 Teacher of the Year for Carrollton Middle School where she works as a 5th grade teacher, was overwhelmed at being given the honor.
“I was completely surprised, blessed and honored to receive the award,” she said. “All of the teachers who were nominated could have easily taken the title, but I humbly accept the award and do not take it lightly.”
The honor begins with UWG, whom she credits as being a core element towards her success in the field and being crowned with this award.
“The knowledge I have gained through the education courses that I took prepared me to be a front-runner in my district and in the educational field,” explained Ashley. “I have maintained some very close connections and relationships to the university through a variety of programs – UTeach, the National Association for Peace Educators with Dr. Duplechain, supervising teacher for student interns and the Teaching Fellows Program as a participant, which allowed me to continue to grow professionally.”
While honored by the award, she plans to use the momentum gained from this achievement towards achieving her own vision for her career.
“My dream is to work with future teachers, students who are economically disadvantageous and students who have learning difficulties and disabilities,” said Ashley. “This honor encourages me to continue to strive to be the best in my profession and to help others along the way.”
Ashley will now go on to compete with other representatives from various school districts in Georgia for the state Teacher of the Year title.
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