Ashley Becker

Tell us why you became a teacher

I was a stay at home mom for 10 years. After my son aged out of Early Intervention and moved to Pre-k with an IEP, I was so impressed with the teachers. They fostered his growth in ways I couldn't Imagine and I wanted to do that for other children. I enrolled in school first pursuing an Associates degree and getting a job as an ECTA. I then worked on my Bachelors and graduated, receiving my teaching license. I now work at the same school my son attended with the same people who inspired me!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

The moment our IEP team was able to qualify one of my students for assistive technology. He received his own AAC device and has since shown up he is not only cognitively on grade level but is excelling in spelling and math. It is magical being a part of a team that gave him the ability and device to find his voice and share himself with the world.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use some of the money to purchase AAC devices for my classroom. Providing multi-model communication experiences in a neurodivergent affirming environment is my ultimate goal. Having high tech AAC devices available for modeling and exploration would unlock doors for my students.