Eighth grade English language arts teacher Ashley Wilkins has mastered the art of elevating student engagement across Petersburg High School (PHS). She facilitates Socratic Seminars, in which students engage in respectful, high-level discussions on their varying interpretations of classic literature. Using Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart,” Wilkins guides students through character trials, during which they act as prosecutors and debate whether the main character of the story is guilty, building their presentation skills and curriculum competency. She holds students to high standards, instilling the importance of goal-setting by having eighth graders write letters to their future selves as graduating seniors. Her students show consistent gains in their ELA proficiency, outperforming the state on the General Summative Assessment.
Wilkins has strengthened her instructional practices as well as supported her colleagues across PHS and Grant County Schools. Her annual technology summit presentations provide professional development for educators countywide, while her membership to the Appalachian Studies Association generated an opportunity for her to present at an international conference in Asheville, North Carolina. She invites colleagues to observe her lessons and is open to constructive feedback. As an eighth grade team leader and student assistance team coordinator, Wilkins organizes team meetings, supports new staff members, and collaborates with teachers and parents to implement student interventions. The PHS leadership team also benefits from her insight on data analysis and the development of strategic plans and effective instructional methods.
An unwavering presence in the PHS community, Wilkins builds strong relationships with students, parents and community members through her role as the junior class sponsor and participation in the Local School Improvement Council. Her coordination of homecoming, prom and other fundraising initiatives promote a positive school culture. Committed to college readiness, Wilkins teaches a dual-credit college English class for PHS students.
Wilkins earned a Bachelor of Arts in secondary English education and a minor in Appalachian studies in 2017 from Shepherd University, as well as a Master of Science in curriculum and instruction from Western Governors University in 2019. In 2023, she earned a graduate certificate of completion in English from Grand Canyon University and a graduate certificate in instructional leadership from West Virginia State University.
Press release: Petersburg English Teacher Receives One “Spooktacular” Surprise: A $25,000 Milken Educator Award!
