Living the Dream

In the fall of 2007 as a first year teacher, I shared my dreams for the future with my teaching partner. While eating lunch in one of our classrooms, I proudly declared that one day I would be the Director of Educational Technology in our school district. I set out that fall on a journey to accomplish this goal, learning everything that I could about what would be necessary.  

Over time, the dream faded into the background. I was enjoying life, teaching, and continuously learning.  I volunteered for paid and unpaid teacher leadership experiences. I changed grade levels. I changed schools. I changed positions. At one point, I even changed districts.  My career goals had evolved beyond that of a singular, specific job title. I learned what it truly means to love what you do and the people you are privileged to do it with everyday.

In the spring of 2021, I took a leap of faith and applied for my 3rd potential EdTech director position. This time, my expectation was different. The previous two interviews were all about exposure and learning. However, I finally felt ready to make the transition.  I had learned, prepared, studied, prayed, and the timing just felt right.  On April 25, 2021 the board of Trustees approved my appointment as Director of Educational Technology in my former school district.  

On April 26, 2021, I called my former teaching partner to let her know that the dream I shared with her 14 years prior had come true. Beginning in July, I would be “living the dream” and standing on the shoulders of the giants that had gone before me. 

Fast forward to February 8, 2024, a day that will forever be etched into memory.  That is the day I was notified that my position was being eliminated. Throughout the roller coaster of emotions that would follow, one thing has remained true: I am forever grateful for the three years I have spent doing the job I dreamed of while sitting in that classroom 17 years ago.  

How many people get to say that they lived their dream? I am a member of a rare club, and I do not take this lightly. Throughout the past three years, I have grown as a person, as a leader, as an administrator, and as a human. I have experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. I have assembled what can only be described as the Dream Team v2.0, and together we have accomplished more than what most deemed possible. 

As I finish out the final few months of my contract, I am determined to operate in integrity and good character. I will show up with the same enthusiasm and optimism tomorrow as I did on July 1, 2021. Our students, teachers, staff, and community deserve my best, and that is exactly what they will get. 

On July 1, 2024, I will begin a new journey. Although this new journey was not part of the original dream, I will take everything I’ve learned with me down this new road. The most beautiful aspect of my future is the fact that I don’t have to travel this road alone.

Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers, as I continue to lead & serve during one of the most challenging times of my career. 

Until Next Time…

~Ashley