Ashley Spates - TEACH | To Educate All Children

Meet Ashley Spates, M. Ed.

TEACH Program Manager

Ashley believes that positive learning environments begin with great teachers, and great teachers need ongoing support – a lesson she learned first hand during the six years she spent in the classroom, both in Aldine ISD and in Abu Dhabi. It was also her own experience as an engaged and eager second-grader in Ms. Aukerman’s class that instilled in her the importance of being a present, encouraging and trustworthy teacher.

Ashley joined TEACH as a Program Manager in June 2023 with a heartfelt desire to provide educators with the level of ongoing support that she herself once lacked as a teacher. She believes that educators have both the privilege and the responsibility to shape children’s educational experience, both inside and outside of the classroom, so nurturing great teachers for all children is more critical than ever. When she’s not focused on creating healthy classroom environments, Ashley spends her time catching up on the latest movies with her family and planning their next big travel adventure.

TEACH: What do you love most about working in education?
AS: The opportunity to help teachers like me! I think all too often teachers’ burnout can cause them to take out frustrations on their students, which isn’t fair or constructive. At TEACH, I am excited to focus on the teacher and on helping them create positive learning environments for their students. I know first-hand that there are so many factors playing a role in a classroom on any given day, so providing teachers with an extra set of hands and a wealth of support helps minimize some of that stress and helps create a healthy environment for all.

TEACH: Who do you consider one of the great teachers in your life and why?
AS: My second-grade teacher, Ms. Aukerman, used to call me her shadow. I just loved her! At the time, I didn’t quite understand why I was so drawn to her. It’s because she created a welcoming environment for all of us. She was always pleasant, even when we messed up. She created a healthy environment where we were allowed to be who we were, regardless of performance. Years later, I also had her as my high school cheerleading coach, and she demonstrated the same essence. She was vulnerable, open, encouraging and always in our corner.

Address

2900 Weslayan, Suite 375
Houston, TX, 77027

Email

info@toeducateallchildren.org

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