Ashlie Crosson, the National Teacher of the Year, will speak at Sul Ross State University as part of the Poindexter Lecture Series on Monday, Oct. 20, at 4:30 p.m. in the Espino Conference Center.
The event is free and open to the public.
The Council of Chief State School Officers named Crosson, a Pennsylvania English teacher, as the 2025 recipient in April. She serves Mifflin County High School as teacher of Advanced Placement language and composition, English 10 and Survival Stories, an elective that approaches global humanitarian crises from a youth perspective. She also advises the journalism program, which publishes the school newspaper and district magazine.
As a first-generation college student, Crosson found that teachers and counselors were essential to her success. She said their support inspired her to become an educator so she could give to another generation what had been given to her. Crosson has expanded opportunities for her colleagues and students, such as launching MC Goes Global, an international travel program to enhance student learning opportunities. She strives to create learning experiences that resonate with her students, foster empathy and build critical thinking. By advising the journalism program, Crosson has positively influenced the culture of her school and district and enhanced her student’s academic and career opportunities. Many in the program have found success beyond high school and are now editors for college media, interns at television stations and writers for regional newspapers.
Crosson believes strongly that if you teach with ambition and authenticity, students will cultivate the skills necessary to be the next generation of entrepreneurs and problem-solvers. “I strive to build a curriculum that facilitates communication, empowers students to problem-solve and expands their worldview,” Crosson said. “I aim to cultivate a classroom where all students feel empowered to succeed and to become informed, compassionate individuals who are prepared to navigate the complexities of our global society.”
CCSSO’s National Teacher of the Year Program, whose lead sponsor is Google for Education, identifies exceptional teachers across the country, recognizes their effective work in the classroom, engages them in a year of professional learning and amplifies their voices.
Each year, states, U.S. extra-state territories, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity select outstanding educators to serve as State Teachers of the Year. From that group, the National Teacher of the Year is chosen by an independent Selection Committee, comprised of representatives of national K-12 education organizations.
Learn more about Crosson, including her biography and photos, at https://ntoy.ccsso.org/national-teacher-of-the-year/.
For more information, email jqvarnstrom@sulross.edu.
Photo: Teacher of the Year Ashlie Crosson. Aaron Specht photo