Q&A with
Teacher of the Year,
Elaine Ashley
Who was your favorite teacher?
Throughout my years in school, Mrs. Jones, a sixth-grade teacher
at Inman, stands out from all of the rest. I was new in the district
and very, very shy. She had the most beautiful smile and caring
heart that reached out and made all of her students feel valuable
and worthy of her time and energy. Mrs. Jones made me feel safe
and has always been my role model.
What is an unusual fact about you?
The practical side of me disappears when it’s time to dress up and
design a costume for a theme or part. Another side of me appears
and takes over, pushing me above and beyond to make the
costume I’m planning to wear and be prepared for the part I’m
going to play. It’s the want-to-be actress in me.
If you had a superpower, what would it be?
If I had a super power I would reach down and rescue children
about to be emotionally or physically abused. I would make sure
every child had a safe and happy home.
Would you rather live without the internet or live without
heating and AC?
I have lived without internet and air conditioning and was fine
without either. I enjoy reading, writing letters and spending time
face to face with people so, as long as I live in Missouri, I’d
definitely keep the heat and air and let go of the internet.
If you could time travel where would you go?
After strong consideration, the place I’d love to time travel to is
heaven. To be with my family and close friends who have gone on
before me, would be a treasure and comfort.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
The accomplishment that I am most proud and thankful for is to
have had the opportunity and blessing of raising three, hard
working, compassionate, and generous children.
Why is it important that teachers believe that all children can
learn?
The theme for my classroom, is that we are all different, but not
less. This is a quote from Temple Grandin. She learned differently,
but never gave up and never let obstacles get in her way. As
teachers, we must believe that every child can learn, realizing that
each one is different and worthy, but certainly not less. We must
do our part to open the door of understanding, whatever it takes,
until learning becomes a reality. It’s not an easy task, but one that
will last a lifetime for each child we meet.
PAGE 4 EAGLE EXPRESS | SUMMER 2019
"As teachers, we must believe
that every child can learn,
realizing that each one is
different and worthy, but
certainly not less."
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