Our Latest Field Staff Recognition Recipient
We have the privilege of introducing Ashley I., a passionate Special Education Teacher who works at Paradise Valley School District near Phoenix, Arizona. Ashley’s recruiter, Katharyn D’Agostinis, nominated her due to fantastic feedback from our client, as well as her exceptional performance as a Preferred employee. Congratulations, Ashley, for earning this award!
How Ashley Became a SPED Teacher and What She Loves About It
“My name is Ashley and I am an NAU Alumni with a major in Elementary and Special Education, class of 2018 and a first generation graduate. I am originally from Los Angeles, California and moved to Flagstaff, AZ in 2015. During my Lumberjack time, I was able to get hands-on experience as an elementary and community college tutor, student teacher at a middle school and high school, Director over Childcare within a nonprofit organization, and NAU test prep staff. I am currently a High School Special Education teacher, and part of the A-Team which is the Autism team, accompanied by my awesome paraprofessionals right by my side.
I am blessed to have been given the opportunity to be here. I love EDUCATION and I have only been a teacher for one and a half years as of today. Back home in California I started in business and accounting then continued forward in the health field. Yes, I was a CNA and Vocational Nurse which then led me to the education field. I am currently pursuing my Masters in Education Foundation and look forward to my role in education, specifically curriculum and being able to mentor others in the field, as well as assist nonprofits in curriculum throughout the year and summer. I LOVE TO TRAVEL and I am at peace with clear water and sand. I enjoy learning something new every day and creating memories simultaneously.
The teaching philosophy that fits me is existentialism and reconstructionism. Existentialism is a philosophy that emphasizes “individual existence, freedom and choice. It is the view that humans define their own meaning in life, and try to make rational decisions despite existing in an irrational universe.” As a current special education teacher, I implement a structure that is focused on transition into adulthood, job duties, budgeting, community services, and social living on a daily basis. No matter the physical limit, strength or weakness in a subject area or fine motor, we are all alive and have a way of making a purpose for our existence. Reconstructionism “emphasizes the addressing of social questions to create a better society and worldwide democracy.” I do believe in a mixture of both and our individual points of view do matter.”
About Preferred’s Field Staff Recognition Award
Preferred Healthcare Staffing is excited to recognize healthcare professionals who have gone above and beyond with our Field Staff Recognition award. This honor goes to a person who exemplifies one or more of Preferred’s core values of Passion, Honesty, and Service. Each recipient receives a $100 gift card, certificate of achievement, and public recognition through social media and email announcements.