Spotlight: Ashley Meyer (AZ '23)

Arizona Milken Educator Ashley Meyer, a first and second grade mentor teacher, plays a vital role in children’s early development. She utilizes small groups to implement hands-on projects that students can apply to their everyday lives. Meyer comes from a family of educators and role models that influenced her love for teaching, mentorship, and students. “I hope students remember that they had a fun place to learn and were loved and comfortable during their time with me.” Ashley received a 2023-24 Arizona Milken Educator Award in Phoenix on December 7, 2023.

Milken Family Foundation: How have students responded since your Milken Educator Award surprise?

Ashley Meyer (AZ '23): My students made me feel really loved. They made cards, past students sent notes, and everyone was saying congratulations for weeks. I felt like a celebrity walking down the hallway. At the end of the school year, we were sharing our favorite memories and they made sure to remind me how great that day was.

MFF: Who are your role models as an educator? 

Meyer: I have had many role models in my life that have shaped me as an educator. It’s hard to even pick a few! I’ll start with my mom and grandma; both were educators and wonderful role models for me growing up. They taught me to be loving and hard-working. They were passionate about teaching and inspired that same passion in me.

In my professional career I had a lovely student teaching experience in Illinois with Mrs. Peterson. She guided me through student teaching in such a caring and supporting way. Then, I started working at Horizon Honors in Phoenix, where I am constantly amazed with the creative teachers, the hard-working individuals, and the community feel that makes every teacher want to go to work and every student happy to be at school.

My teaching career is built on the many educators around me.

MFF: Is there an experience you had in the classroom as a student that shaped your practices or motivation to teach?

Meyer: As a student, I had a fourth grade teacher I looked up to. Other students didn’t want her as a teacher because she was the “strict” one. I loved how she kept to a routine and held high standards for her students. This is how I try to run my own classroom.

MFF: Tell us about your first year of teaching. What memories stand out? Who or what helped you through it?

Meyer: When I came to Arizona I had a team lead at my first school, Shenny Pierce, who helped me through my first year of teaching and led by example. She is such a fun and passionate teacher who pours her heart into her work. The teacher who had a classroom next door to me was also a big support — we often opened our doors to ask questions and check on each other.

Other people that helped me through my first year included Jill Merten, who believed in me and supported me by coming into my classroom and modeling teaching lessons; and my mom, who I called daily. As a teacher herself, she would give great advice when I would tell her about my highs and lows.

Teamwork is essential to first year teaching!

MFF: What do you hope students remember from their time with you?

Meyer: I hope students remember that they had a fun place to learn and were loved and comfortable during their time with me.  I want them to remember hearing stories that made a movie in their head.

MFF: How has your role as a mentor teacher and member of the instructional leadership team influenced your teaching and professional development?

Meyer: It has helped me grow professionally. It has given me an opportunity to take my practices to a higher level and brought me into conversations that are for the greater good of education in the classroom and my school.

MFF: What advice would you share with people who are interested in becoming teachers?  

Meyer: My advice would be to get into the classroom as much as you can. Volunteer in local schools or be a substitute teacher. Find ways to get into the classroom and start observing! Then you can see what grade level you like and start picking up on classroom management strategies.

Watch our interview with Ashley Meyer (AZ '23) on the day of her Milken Award notification: