In Ashley Anderson’s sixth grade classroom at Greenbrier Middle School, no student is ever left behind. Anderson’s remarkable ability to pivot and cater to the unique educational and behavioral needs of each student is a significant factor in their continuously growing performance. Through detailed and diligent lesson plans, Anderson works with special education teachers to ensure the curriculum is accessible and challenging for all levels of learners. Her inclusive strategies are used throughout Greenbrier Middle School. Being one of the first teachers trained in the RISE model (Resilience in Schools and Educators), Anderson harnessed her solution-based mindset, attention to detail and communication skills to help design her own unique RISE-based sixth grade course. Her curriculum input has driven clear results: Anderson’s sixth-grade team has 86.2% of students proficient on ACT Aspire and shows high growth on the MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) Literacy assessment.
Anderson’s spirit for community and school involvement shines brightly. She helps Greenbrier grow by helping to interview, train and mentor first-year teachers. Additionally, Anderson plays a pivotal role on Greenbrier’s leadership team, curriculum committee, and literacy Professional Learning Community (PLC). She volunteers hours of her time each year helping to coordinate school events such as the Greenbrier Games, an Olympic-style tradition getting students excited for testing; decorating floats for family and community night; sending encouraging pre-testing videos to staff, students and families; and organizing ‘Walk in My Shoes’ nights, during which fifth graders can come meet teachers, tour the school, and learn more about their upcoming middle school transition. In addition, Anderson volunteers unpaid hours in Greenbrier’s VIP tutoring program after school. Her love of learning blossoms in her advocacy and collaboration with colleagues. She helps lead professional development workshops and presents at building retreat days on planning instruction and strategies that meet student needs.
Anderson is a graduate of Arkansas Tech University, earning a bachelor’s in elementary education in 2018.
Press release: Sixth Grade Teacher Ashley Anderson First in Greenbrier Public Schools to Receive Milken Educator Award
2018 B.S., Elementary Education, Arkansas Tech University
