If You Give A Teacher An Idea

My name is Ashley Dearcop Shaw, and I am the author of "If You Give a Teacher An Idea" resources. I began my career in the classroom in 2007 and have had a myriad of different positions that have shaped me as an educator. My experiences have allowed me to work with students ranging in abilities from academic and behavioral struggles to talented and gifted as well as educators around the country. I started out teaching 2nd and 3rd grades as a head teacher. About ten years into my career, I took a leap of faith and accepted a position working with many other grade levels as a STEAM teacher and specialist. Analyzing and creating curriculum has always been a huge passion of mine and led me to serve as Director of Curriculum and Instruction for over two years. In this role, I worked with and coached many teachers in grades ranging from Kindergarten through eighth grade. In 2018, I moved back into the classroom in order to work at a school closer to my family home, as we welcomed a baby boy in the spring of 2019. My top interests and unique strengths are found in Writer's Workshop and integrating technology into the curriculum. I completed my Master's Action Research in Writing and the 6 Traits in 2010, and have presented at multiple conferences on integrating technology into the classroom. I LOVE to code and finding ways that technology can support teachers and their students' learning!

As a teacher, I feel that my number one role as an educator is to create and/or maintain life long learners. I know this sounds cliche, but I truly feel that it is the key to student success throughout the years! In order to do this, I make sure to create an environment where students feel comfortable making their own choices, as well as mistakes, and to challenge my students at their varying levels through differentiation. My daily instructional goal is to make sure all students are challenged and feel empowered by being able to succeed at their diverse levels. I always believe that all students can succeed if given the right tools!

Response to Intervention Vertical Team Captain -- Kennesaw State University Co-Chair of Graduate Conference Committee

Canisius College-Bachelor of Science in Childhood Education Kennesaw State University-Masters of Science in Early Childhood Education

I grew up in Rochester, NY and attended Canisius College of Buffalo, NY. After graduating, I moved down to Atlanta, Georgia where I taught second and third grades in public schools for 5 years. During this time, I received a Master's degree where I chose to focus my action research in writing instruction. Not only do I like to teach kids how to write, I absolutely love watching students learn that writing is fun! I moved to California in 2012 and began teaching in a private school. This opportunity led me to find my passion for curriculum analysis and creation. In addition to education, some of my interests and hobbies include being on the beach or at the lake, taking dance lessons, and gardening. I currently reside in Los Angeles, California with my husband, two cats, and a baby boy on the way!