GILBERT, Ariz. — 12News is highlighting the amazing work of a Gilbert sixth-grade math teacher, mom and soccer coach.
This week's 12News A+ Teacher goes to Ashlyn White, a sixth-grade math teacher at Legacy Traditional School in Gilbert.
White attended Jamestown University in North Dakota and graduated in 2007 with a degree in criminal justice. She started her career working as a life skills teacher at the Salt River Juvenile Detention Center in 2010 and 2011.
“I was a police officer, started in the jail, just absolutely loved it, so I was like that’s what I’m going for,” she said. “…and yeah, I’ve been teaching for over like 10 years now.”
From there, White moved To New Mexico and then Arizona, where she finished her master's degree in elementary education. Since she finished her master's degree, White has been busy: teaching at schools across the Valley and coaching soccer.
“Not only does she care about us for education, but she also cares about us personally,” Ethan Otto, a 6th-grade student who had White as a soccer coach, said. “…and it feels like she’s like a family with us."
When she's not at Legacy Traditional School - Gilbert teaching math, you can find White volunteering with Next Level Soccer as an assistant coach. White said coaching lines up with her teaching expectations and environment in the classroom.
“I love kids,” said White. “I think I have some patience for them.”
Julio Martinez, principal of Legacy Traditional School in Gilbert said there are a lot of things that make White an extra special teacher.
“She just is gifted,” Martinez said.
Julio Martinez, principal of Legacy Traditional School in Gilbert said there are a lot of things that make White an extra special teacher.
Brooke Kelly said her son and stepson credit White for not only helping them get straight A’s in class but also for encouraging them to be "the best they can be" outside the classroom, too.
“She goes above and beyond for her students,” Kelly, parent of Ethan Otto and Michael Kelly, who is currently in White's math class, said.
12News joined students, parents, and staff to surprise White during class, and to recognize her as a 12News A+ Teacher.
“I think she’s just going to have no words,” Michael Kelly said.
As everyone walked through her classroom door, White was completely caught off guard.
“We are here to congratulate you for being recognized as one of our 12News A+ Teachers!” said 12News Journalist Trisha Hendricks.
“Thank you!” said White, as her students clapped and cheered.
Kelly was able to be part of the presentation of the A+ Teacher award. She spoke to White's accomplishments, inside and outside the classroom, and the support she gives her students.
“You go above and beyond for these kids,” Kelly said, getting emotional. “You just teach them so well inside and outside the class.”
Congratulations to Ashlyn White!
Nominate an A+ Teacher
If you would like to nominate a teacher who has made an impact in your life, to be our 12 news A-plus teacher of the week, send in your nomination by emailing us at connect@12news.com.
Please include the teacher’s name, where they teach, why they deserve to be recognized and your best contact information.
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