Where do you teach? Rockfield Elementary in Warren County
What subject(s)/grade(s) do you teach? Math/Social Studies/Writing in 4th grade
How many years have you taught? 10
Why did you become a teacher? I became a teacher because I was certain that I could make a difference for someone much like my dad. He was told, in the 1950s, that he was too ignorant to learn and sent home to work on the farm where he never learned to read or write. Fast forward to the 2000s and my family determines that, while glasses seemed to help his vision, he was legally blind. Having students is like having a classroom of puzzles and determining exactly what makes them tick so all the pieces work together is my why.
What has been the best part of teaching that you didn’t expect when entering the profession? Hands down, the best part of teaching is the relationships. I have had the unique opportunity to meet students in elementary school, stay in touch throughout high school and have the pleasure of becoming their colleague at their elementary school or even seeing them pursue a career that is most fitting. To be in a profession that touches all professions and see it come full circle is sincerely the best.
What is one thing you wish non-teachers knew about what you do? I wish they knew there is no manual to teaching. So much goes into creating the relationships, the lessons, the culture but then the classroom becomes yours, they become your kids and you get to be a part of and enjoy the journey.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment as a teacher? A former student becoming a teacher.
What is your favorite thing to do when you aren’t teaching? I love to teach and take yoga and other exercise classes as well as camp and hike with my family of 5.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be? I would like the superpower to stop time. In the moments when my children are playing or my family is laughing, I would love to stop time, write about them, take pictures and just relish in those moments. This power would be very beneficial in the classroom as well when a lesson needs just a little more something, stopping time would allow for a moment of thinking, reflecting collecting needed manipulatives…or having a snack!
Social media handles: Twitter: @AshleyBuchanon1, Facebook: Ashley White Buchanon, Tik Tok: class_of_buchanon