Elementary school teahcer receives award

Photo By Lance Cpl. Tavairus Hernandez | Dr. Harriet Hunter-Boykin(left), assistant super intendant, stands before the nominated teachers of the years and speaks on teh qaulities that gain them reconigtion at Lejeune High School May 13. The day was filled with educators sharing expirences and understanding their roles as leaders to thier students.  

CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, UNITED STATES

05.13.2016

Story by Lance Cpl. Tavairus Hernandez 

Marine Corps Installations East       

A Tarawa Terrace Elementary School teacher was recognized as the Teacher of the Year for her dedication as an educator during a ceremony at Lejeune High School on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune Friday.

Ashley Melton, a general education 2nd grade teacher at Tarawa Terrace Elementary School, is the award recipient and has spent the entirety of her six years of teaching in the Camp Lejeune districts. She initially received her teaching degree from the University of Southern Indiana and later received her master’s degree from the University of North Carolina, Wilmington.

"She is always so willing to be helpful, offer support and give encouragement," said Leigh Anne Faulkner, principal of Tarawa Terrace Elementary School. "She’s a phenomenal young teacher and very committed to her students and really learning all she can to be the best educator."

Melton says she is driven by her experience with her past teachers and wishes to do the same for her students. She is a hard worker who is passionate and committed to further help them succeed in life, according to Faulkner.

"I struggled in school as an elementary student, but teachers never gave up on me so I teach my students to persevere and never stop learning," said Melton. "I am passionate about what I do, and I empower my students by giving them the tools they need to succeed."

Teachers spend their careers watching and instructing younger generations to adapt with the times. They are examples as leaders that a child can become.

"We really do want what is best for your child," said Melton. "We stay awake at night thinking of how we could have taught something better or said something different to better reach the students in our class."

A dedication to the students is fundamental for teachers and Melton was recognized for her care and commitment to the students that enter her classroom.

"She is very good with kids and for those children who face adversity, she is willing to take on those challenges and work extra hard to make sure that learning happens for them," said Faulkner. "She has a very calm sweet nurturing demeanor and is extremely dedicated to her classroom and her children."

The Teacher of the Year award is a way to better appreciate and help teachers understand they are noticed, and that their contributions to a classroom are recognized.

"A good thing about the Teacher of the Year program is that it encourages a teacher to reflect on their practice since it’s about putting your practice on paper," said Dr. Harriet Hunter-Boykin, superintendent of Camp Lejeune District Schools. "You have to answer questions like what I did, why did I do it and what was the impact."

• Date Taken: 05.13.2016
• Date Posted: 05.19.2016 12:14
• Story ID: 198557
• Location: CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, US