Ashley Johnson
Meadow Wood Elementary
First-Grade Teacher

Education: Texas Teacher Alternative Certification Program, Houston, 2008, Texas A&M University, Bachelor of Science in Community Health, 1995

Teaching History: Meadow Wood Elementary School, English as a Second Language/Gifted and Talented, 2008-Present, Memorial Hermann Hospital, Health Education, 1995-1996

In her own words: “My contributions don’t come in the form of research and published articles. It comes from the passion and dedication that I bring every day to 25 individual 6- and 7-year olds. I strive each day to promote a safe environment where learning happens by challenging deeper thinking. I encourage kids to think ‘Why?’ and not just ‘How?’

“I think that teaching is a passion that you must have. You can learn technique, but the ‘desire’ has to be internal. Every student can learn. It is my job to find out how they can best do that. I am blessed to work in a school where kids are No. 1… I also believe that teaching may be one of the hardest things I have ever done. Each day can be well planned and scripted, but the students drive the instruction. I facilitate the learning.”

In the words of others: “In Spring Branch ISD, our goal is that every child graduates our system prepared to successfully complete a technical, two- or four-year advanced degree. Ms. Johnson exemplifies the quality of teacher every child in our system must have to achieve this very aggressive and forward-thinking goal.” Jennifer Blaine, SBISD Associate Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction

“Ashley is able to keep each student challenged and right on the cutting edge of his or her learning without causing the child to be stressed. Her bright students are challenged and motivated to learn. Her struggling learners are challenged and motivated as well.” Robye Snyder, Meadow Wood Elementary Principal

Selected Honors, Awards & Activities:
First-Grade Team Leader, Meadow Wood Elementary, 2010-2013
Donor’s Choose Recipient, Meadow Wood Elementary, 2013
Teacher of the Year Nominee, Meadow Wood Elementary, 2011, 2012
Recipient, SBISD Foundation Grant, 2010