Ashley Ranum

Tell us why you became a teacher

To make middle school a better experience than what I remember. To build lifelong learners that always remember nit only what they were taught but why. Middle School was hard for me outside of school. I had a mom in and out of jail and got in a severe car accident. School and teachers kept me going. I believed in myself the most because of teachers. I want to be that person for other kids. I have a passion to learn and have always played the teacher role since my friends first came over.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I do a "kindness activity" at the end of each year. We take turns writing down positive affirmations about each person in the room. One student came up front while I read to her what students said. So many students called her pretty. She bawled. She said it was her first time anyone called her pretty. The whole class got up and hugged her at once. She still carries the folded up paper in her purse 5 years later. I will never forget that moment. The power of words and a hug. It changed so many.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would take my whole family on a vacation for always supporting me as a teacher. So many times they put up with me working at night and on the weekends. Our kids listen to other kids their age call me their "2nd mom" and share me with no issue while my husband hears me sob over situations I can't always fix for students. He also supports my expensive habits for my classroom. They are always my #1 fan. I wouldn't be the teacher I am without their support. We would go on a Disney Cruise.