My name is Ashley Alston. I am 29 years old and was born and raised here in Charlotte NC. I attended Independence High School, c/0 2006, obtained a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a Social Studies license from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and received a Master's of Arts Degree in Teaching with a specialization in National Board Teaching from National University. I am AP certified in Psychology and U.S. History, and am beginning my seventh year teaching here at Olympic High School. Perhaps the best thing to know about me personally is I am a mother to an amazing 7-year-old little boy named Micah!
I believe that education is a fundamental cornerstone that forms the foundation upon which children build their dreams, and without that education the richness of accomplishment cannot fully be ascertained. As a teacher, particularly in the secondary level, I hope to surpass the common methods of presenting knowledge and searching for a child to understand, but rather helping mold students who are inspired enough to leave my classroom in search of knowledge. My goal is to provide a safe, stimulating environment and an honest rapport with students and parents, assuring them that they can trust not only me as their teacher, but also themselves as capable, confident, and successful young adults emerging as prospective productive citizens of not only this great country, but also the world.
In the experiences teaching that I’ve obtained thus far, I’ve learned that students learn more when they can bridge their own experiences with the concepts in the content that are reflective in their lives. I have found that making learning an active process and presenting history as a “work in progress” as opposed to something that is complete and finished, helps students find their place and voice in the tapestry of the world in which they live. Having students who are able to identify concurrent themes in the context of their lives while allowing them to question accepted notions and perceptions, creates an active learner who leaves the classroom with, at the least, an open mind.
I believe that education is a fundamental cornerstone that forms the foundation upon which children build their dreams, and without that education the richness of accomplishment cannot fully be ascertained. As a teacher, particularly in the secondary level, I hope to surpass the common methods of presenting knowledge and searching for a child to understand, but rather helping mold students who are inspired enough to leave my classroom in search of knowledge. My goal is to provide a safe, stimulating environment and an honest rapport with students and parents, assuring them that they can trust not only me as their teacher, but also themselves as capable, confident, and successful young adults emerging as prospective productive citizens of not only this great country, but also the world.
In the experiences teaching that I’ve obtained thus far, I’ve learned that students learn more when they can bridge their own experiences with the concepts in the content that are reflective in their lives. I have found that making learning an active process and presenting history as a “work in progress” as opposed to something that is complete and finished, helps students find their place and voice in the tapestry of the world in which they live. Having students who are able to identify concurrent themes in the context of their lives while allowing them to question accepted notions and perceptions, creates an active learner who leaves the classroom with, at the least, an open mind.