Parent Teacher Magazine Union County Public Schools May/June 2018 | Page 13

UCPS announces 2018 Teacher of the Year finalists continued
Western Union Elementary – Ashley Erb
Ashley Erb is a fifth grade teacher at Western
Union Elementary. A graduate of Appalachian
State University, where she earned a
bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education,
Ashley has taught at Western Union
Elementary since 2014. Ashley strives to
maintain a positive community by creating a
place where students learn to collaborate and
function in society while obtaining the necessary academic skills
to prepare for a more civil, progressive and innovative future.
Her goal is for each student to be able to look back on their time
in her class and use the skills they’ve gained to care for others,
pursue their dreams and never abandon the love of learning with a
profound curiosity.
Wingate Elementary - Janna Tolleson
Janna Tolleson is a fourth grade teacher at
Wingate Elementary. A graduate of University
of North Carolina at Charlotte and West
Liberty University, where she earned a
bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education
and master’s degrees in curriculum and
instruction and school administration, Janna
has worked as an educator in North Carolina
for the past 26 years. Her personal beliefs about teaching are
defined by the acroynym CARE: Communicate, Advocate and build
trust to Relate. She strives to establish a classroom environment
with goal/growth setting, accountability, cooperative groups and
specific feedback.
Western Union Elementary teacher Ashley Erb named 2018-19 UCPS Teacher of the Year
Last year, Western Union Elementary teacher Ashley Erb cheered when
she found out that Amanda Stinchcomb, a fellow Western Union Elementary
teacher, was named 2017-18 UCPS Teacher of the Year.
But never in her wildest dreams did Ashley think that she would be the
one receiving cheers only one year later. On April 19, Ashley was named the
2018-19 UCPS Teacher of the Year during the school district’s annual banquet.
“I was not expecting this and it is completely surreal,” Ashley said after
the announcement. “It means so much to me. It’s very encouraging to not
only continue in teaching but to also keep pushing myself to be a leader in my
school, get further education and do great work for my students.”
Ashley began her teaching career at Western Union Elementary in 2014.
Since that time, she has served as grade level chair, is a representative
for her school’s site-based team and serves as the recycling club
sponsor. Additionally, through her hard work, students in her class
saw their science proficiency improve from 40 to 83 percent during
the 2015-16 school year.
In her classroom, Ashley said she strives to maintain a positive
community by creating a place where students learn to collaborate
and function in society while also obtaining the necessary academic
skills to prepare for a more civil, progressive and innovative future.
Her goal for each student is to look back on their time in her class and
use the skills they’ve gained to care for others, pursue their dreams
and never abandon the love of learning with a profound curiosity.
Ashley Erb After the announcement, Western Union Elementary Principal
For winning the countywide Teacher of the Year title,
Kristi Williford said she was ecstatic to learn that Ashley was being recognized
Ashley received $500 for her personal use as well as a
for her hard work and dedication to her students.
one-year lease of a 2018 car, courtesy of Union County
“I have always known what wonderful staff we have, and it’s great to see
KIA. The Union County Education Foundation also
that
they are being recognized,” she added.
awarded her $1,000 for her personal use.
During the event, UCPS also recognized the following 201 8 Beginning
Teachers of the Year: Scott Parker from Fairview Elementary, Margarete Long from Marshville Elementary, Laura Sackett from Rock
Rest Elementary, Sydney Hall from Rocky River Elementary and Caitlin Flannery from Sun Valley High.
The Beginning Teacher of the Year program recognizes new teachers in their first three years of employment who demonstrate
excellence in the classroom. This is the first time UCPS has honored beginning teachers, and the five teachers recognized during the
event were selected from a pool of nominations that were provided by principals.
For winning the countywide Teacher of the Year title, Ashley received $500 for her personal use as well as a one-year lease of
a 2018 car, courtesy of Union County KIA. The Union County Education Foundation also awarded her $1,000 for her personal use.
Additionally, Ashley will now represent UCPS in the regional Teacher of the Year program.
Pierce Group Benefits, Union County Education Foundation, Target and Union County KIA sponsored the 2018-19 Teacher of the
Year Banquet, which was held at Rolling Hills Country Club.
Parent Teacher Magazine • May/June 2018 • 11