North Billerica, MA, February 29, 2024
Curriculum Associates has named Clare Ashford of Poplar Grove Elementary School in Franklin, Tennessee to its 2024 class of Extraordinary Educators, an annual program that celebrates and connects exemplary teachers in Grades K–8 from around the country.
Selected from hundreds of nominations, Ashford is among the 32 educators from 19 states and the District of Columbia who exhibit best-in-class use of i-Ready®, i-Ready Classroom Mathematics, and/or Ready®. Most importantly, Ashford has also promoted growth and achievement through formal assessments, pioneered innovative engagement tactics, served as a steward for high expectations and student achievement, and created equitable environments for her students.
“It’s hard to overstate the impact teachers have on shaping the lives of students across the country,” said Em McCann, senior vice president of educator community at Curriculum Associates. “This year, we are proud to highlight just a small group of these real-life superheroes. Our Extraordinary Educators truly demonstrate the power of teachers to create new opportunities for student success.”
This year’s class of Extraordinary Educators includes a diverse range of backgrounds and roles—from classroom teachers to specialists and gifted support teachers. Each educator’s application was reviewed by an internal selection committee composed of Curriculum Associates employees with various roles across the company and then finalized by an advisory board that included Curriculum Associates employees, previous Extraordinary Educators, and a college student pursuing a degree in urban education.
“Teaching kindergarten is always an adventure!” said Ashford. “Many people don't believe that the youngest students can understand their data and growth, but they can. My goal is to teach students how to take ownership and control over their learning, even at a young age. Giving them that power builds the framework to become lifelong learners.”
The Extraordinary Educators will enjoy continued access to a network of distinguished peers from across the country to collaborate, connect, and trailblaze new and unique ways of learning to provide the best service to young learners. They will also receive access to professional learning opportunities, including an invitation to participate and present at the Extraordinary Educators Leadership Summit and other professional learning events.
This is the fifth year of the Extraordinary Educators program. To learn about Curriculum Associates and the 2024 Extraordinary Educators, visit CurriculumAssociates.com/Extraordinary-Educators.
About Curriculum Associates
Founded in 1969, Curriculum Associates, LLC designs research-based print and online instructional materials, screens and assessments, and data management tools. The company’s products and outstanding customer service provide teachers and administrators with the resources necessary for teaching diverse student populations and fostering learning for all students.
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