Meet Ms. Ashleigh Rose / 6th Grade Literacy Teacher / KIPP DC AIM Academy
“I come back for the kids because they are challenging, hilarious, awkward and fun. I come back to see the relationships grow.”
Ms. Ashleigh Rose began her interest in education during her undergrad career at Stanford University. While at Stanford, Ashleigh studied International Relations and spent a summer working in Kenya for a bank specializing in microfinance. After experiencing inequity across the world, Ashleigh knew she wanted an impact in the education field by becoming a teacher.
Ashleigh was first introduced to the KIPP DC community while completing an internship at KIPP DC AIM Academy. She immediately gravitated to the student-centered focus. “At AIM it was obvious that every conversation was about what’s best for kids, not what’s easiest for adults,” she says. Leadership from both the administration and the staff was focused on how to support teachers, students, and families.
After completing her internship, Ashleigh joined the AIM Academy staff as a 6th-grade literacy teacher. When asked about why she continues to teach at AIM, her love for students immediately shines through. “I come back for the kids because they are challenging, hilarious, awkward and fun. I come back to see the relationships grow.” In addition to student relationships, Ashleigh also values the partnerships with families and community at KIPP DC. She shares, “KIPP DC is always trying to work with parents and community in a different way. We have so many students stay with us, it’s clear that parents have a level of trust.”
She also appreciates the professional learning opportunities that she has gained since joining the team – not only through weekly professional development through KIPP DC, but also through conferences and experiences for educators, such as a week-long conference at Teachers College she will attend this summer. “My leadership provides support for me to continue my own professional learning. I don’t run into barriers of no you can’t do that,” she explains.
Much of her learning has come from her students. She explains, “I’ve learned a lot around the idea that when you find what works and set up routines, that’s when kids flourish. As a reading teacher, you have to model your reading life for kids to make them fall in love with reading.” To get students excited about reading she posts all of the books that she has read this year outside her classroom, and shares book talks for new and interesting books.
She is also passionate about creating a classroom space where all students are welcome. She reveals, “Kids aren’t going to make academic risks if it isn’t a safe place. Joyful shared experiences make it easier for kids to take on those academic risks.” She makes sure to stock her classroom library with books that match all of the interests and diverse experiences of her class. Building relationships with students enable her to create this welcoming space.
Interested in joining our team as a lead teacher for the 2017-18 school year? Apply online today!
