Article Summary –
Ashlie Crosson, recently named National Teacher of the Year, initially did not plan on entering the teaching profession, but was inspired by her own educators to make a positive impact on students’ lives. As part of her role, she will advocate for rural education and address the challenges faced by educators amid political tensions and funding cuts in the education system. Crosson aims to focus on local community conversations, promote global awareness through her innovative programs like the MC Goes Global study abroad initiative, and inspire students to engage with real-world issues.
Ashlie Crosson, a Pennsylvania educator at Mifflin County High School, was named National Teacher of the Year on April 29. Initially, she didn’t plan to pursue teaching while in college.
“I am a first-generation college student and initially did not aim to be a teacher,” Crosson shared with the Pennsylvania Independent. “The support from my teachers changed my life. If I could do that for one student, that’s what I wanted to do.”
For 14 years, Crosson has aimed to impact students’ lives positively. Now, as an English teacher in Lewistown, central Pennsylvania, she will influence teachers and students nationwide.
The Council of Chief State School Officers annually selects a National Teacher of the Year from 50 state honorees. This educator takes a year-long sabbatical to highlight the vital role of teachers, aiming to draw national attention to teaching excellence, according to the Council.
Crosson will travel the country to amplify educators’ issues and inspire others to join the profession amid challenges from President Trump’s administration, which is dismantling the Department of Education and cutting funding for public schools. Republican officials’ ongoing attacks coincide with a nationwide teacher shortage.
Crosson hopes to spark discussions on rural educators’ challenges and change the politicized educational landscape.
“Rural communities are easy to overlook,” Crosson noted. “Legislatures and new teachers often overlook them. Our goal is to get our voice heard and showcase the value of our communities.”
Crosson aims to empower not just rural educators but all involved in education. She seeks respect for teachers and students nationwide.
Trump, Republican lawmakers, and right-wing activists have attacked public education, creating a politicized landscape where Democratic voters support schools more than Republicans. They’ve worked to cut funding, promote vouchers, and ban books on sensitive topics.
Bringing the World to Her Students
As Teacher of the Year, Crosson will share success stories and learn from educators nationwide.
She aims to bring global issues to her students, having reintroduced journalism and created “Survival Stories,” a class on global crises. Previously, she taught at Bellefonte Area School District in Centre County and Sussex County in Delaware.
“I wanted to discuss global issues from a youth perspective,” Crosson explained. “Texts are chosen from diverse regions, including Asia, the Middle East, and Texas.”
Crosson launched the MC Goes Global program, facilitating student exchanges to Germany, Switzerland, France, England, and Scotland, inspired by her own high school study abroad experience.
“Traveling changed my life,” Crosson said. “It exposed me to different cultures and histories.”
Upon returning to Mifflin County, she initiated a similar program to provide students with real-world learning and cultural experiences, preparing them for global citizenship.
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