Justin Ashley attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte as a North Carolina Teaching Fellow Scholar. He began his career in public education as a 3rd grade teacher at McAlpine Elementary School in 2007, where he was awarded as the New Teacher of the Year for South Learning Community of Charlotte- Mecklenburg Schools.
From 2008-2011, Mr. Ashley taught 5th grade students in what came to be known as "The Blue Room." He specialized in teaching United States history and literacy. In 2011, he was awarded as the Teacher of the Year for the school and East Learning Zone of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. "American Idol of McAlpine"-South Charlotte News Feature As Mr. Ashley was completing his Master's Degree in Educational Leadership at Wingate University in 2011, he obtained a position as the assistant principal of Waxhaw Elementary School. He managed the school's bus transportation system, assisted in teacher evaluations, and supported the school's positive behavior incentive system. "Coming home" Union County Weekly News Feature In 2012, Mr. Ashley followed his conviction to resign from his administrative post and return to his two passions: working with kids and teaching history. He took a position as a 4th grade teacher at McAlpine Elementary School, where he specialized in North Carolina history and literacy instruction. On February 28th, 2013, Mr. Ashley accepted the award for the 2013 North Carolina Social Studies Teacher of the Year. This honor was presented at the annual N.C. Council for Social Studies Conference in Greensboro, NC. "More than a teacher" WBTV News Feature Mr. Ashley is currently teaching eighth grade social studies at Community House Middle School in Charlotte. |