Meet the CCSD Teacher: Ashley West of Free Home ES!

The talent of our teachers is unparalleled and their dedication to go the extra mile is unmatched. Every week, you’ll get to know one of our valued educators better through a Q&A posted here. #CCSDElevateTheExcellence

Ashley West
Free Home Elementary School 
Instructional Lead Strategist 

What’s the most innovative idea that you’ve tried in your classroom? 
One of my hopes is to inspire students to fall in love with writing and view themselves as writers.  Whether I collaborated with other teachers to create engaging writing experiences, provided students with writing exemplars and time for peer feedback, or celebrated their published work with publishing parties or bookstore openings, I always sought innovative ideas to inspire my writers! 
Who is the best teacher you ever had and what made him or her special?
Mr. Gene Norton was the best teacher I ever had.  While it is hard to sum up a person's influence on your life in a short blurb, he touched my life profoundly as a teacher.  During my time in his class at Reinhardt, I knew I wanted to create the classroom environment he talked about and become the teacher he was. Throughout my first years teaching and in my current role as an ILS, I think of him often.  I am not the only student he inspired, so I know his legacy lives on in the Cherokee County School District! 
What can parents do to prepare their children for learning?
While reading is an impactful way to prepare children for school, it starts with conversations.  By talking with their children, parents build their vocabulary, communication skills, and ability to express themselves appropriately.  In a time when phones, tablets, computers, TVs, and video games have taken over, just talking with their children can help prepare them for school and their future beyond the classroom. 
What are the obstacles to getting all kids to achieve?
In today’s reality, educators face many factors that can affect student achievement.  While some are out of our control, like their family structures, there are many we can build on or use to advance students' success both academically and emotionally.  The possibilities are endless if educators focus on proactive ways to build trust, relationships, and community/sense of belonging among students! 
#CCSDElevateTheExcellence