October Teacher of the Month

October Teacher of the Month
Posted on 10/25/2020
Picture of Ms. Charles with the words Dragon of the month, Ms. Charles, 1st grade
Congratulations to our October Teacher of the Month, Ms. Ashanti Charles!!

Ms. Charles was nominated and recognized by several colleagues around WES as well as the administration team! At the beginning of the year, Ms. Charles quickly stepped up and took the lead for planning and organizing math instruction for the first-grade team. She found supplemental activities and math materials to ensure all first-grade students were being exposed to rigorous math instruction. Ms. Charles provides her team and students with engaging content and high-quality mathematical strategies. As math lead, Ashanti attended a math professional development and brought back new ideas and strategies to share with her team. In addition to math, Dr. Bigelow has also highlighted her phonics and foundational skills instruction! Way to go, Ms. Charles!

Ms. Charles uses intentional language during instruction that reinforces the skills previously taught. During virtual lessons, you often heard fun music as her students entered the virtual classroom. This created a warm climate and culture and students were eager and motivated to attend class. Students established a routine to greet each other before instruction begins.

After visiting Ms. Charles' classroom, you would never guess this is her first official year in the classroom! Ashanti is not afraid to ask questions and demonstrates a growth mindset. She also works to find answers to a problem. Her teammates appreciate both of these qualities! On top of her instructional growth mindset, she is dependable, organized, professional, and positive. I don't know what more you could ask for in a teammate or educator! She is a team player and has helped her teammates out by subbing, sitting in IEP meetings, and always willing to help.

We are so lucky to have Ashanti at WES. Ms. Charles, thank you for all that you do!