Washington Middle School fifth grade teacher Ashley Cruz goes over a lesson on fractions with her students.

For Ashley Cruz, the hallways of Washington Middle School are more than just a place of work — they are home. Now in her sixth year with Jamestown Public Schools and her second at Washington, Cruz brings a unique perspective to her fifth-grade classroom: she once walked these same halls as a student.

“Washington holds a special place in my heart because I once walked these same halls as a student and was inspired by many of my own teachers,” said Cruz, who entered the teaching profession at the age of 30.

“My path to becoming a teacher was full of twists and turns, but with the support and encouragement of my former JPS teachers and my family, I never gave up on my dream. Once a Lobo, always a Lobo!”

Now, Cruz is paying that inspiration forward, specifically during the pivotal transition year that is fifth grade.

She noted that she loves the “middle school world” because of the opportunity to guide students through a time of significant academic and social growth. Her passion, she explained, comes from “helping young learners grow and realize their potential.”

That commitment to student potential extends beyond her own classroom walls. Cruz serves as an active member of both the Tier 1 and Tier 2 committees, groups dedicated to school-wide incentives and student interventions.

“I collaborate with colleagues… to discuss school-wide incentives and support student interventions,” Cruz said. “I enjoy the problem-solving process and helping come up with creative solutions. It is important to me to be active in making decisions that best support all of our students and staff.”

In the classroom, Cruz is known for finding creative ways to bridge the gap between school and home. A highlight of the current school year was a Thanksgiving family luncheon, an event students earned by meeting classroom expectations. Cruz used the celebration as a teaching tool, tying the event to daily writing practice by having students craft formal invitations and thank-you letters.

Currently, her students are engaged in an independent reading challenge. After reading 30 books at their level and passing comprehension quizzes, students earn the reward of inviting a family member to lunch. “I like to find ways to invite families in for lunch with their child,” she said.

Staying at the forefront of educational trends, Cruz credit her willingness to step outside her comfort zone to personalized learning trainings and, most importantly, the students themselves. She utilizes student surveys, student choice, and weekly individual conferences to let her classes have a say in their own education.

“Every year brings a completely different group of kids,” Cruz said. “I am inspired by the kids’ ideas to try new ways for them to show their learning. All I have to do is plant the seed of an idea and let the kids run with it.”

“Ashley is a vital asset to our building because she leads with both her head and her heart,” said Washington Middle School Principal Tim Anderson. “Beyond her commitment to our tiered intervention teams and her leadership within the PLC, she has an incredible ability to connect with families and bring them into the learning process. Whether she is piloting a new instructional strategy or organizing a family luncheon, Ashley’s focus is always on what is best for the student. We are fortunate to have her on our team.”