The main goal of the Walton High School Foundation is to raise money for teacher and staff salaries to supplement county funding, keeping class sizes smaller and meeting the needs of our school community. This year the Foundation is supporting two teachers, one of whom is English teacher Ashley Nickell. Get to know more about her in this Q&A.
Where did you go to college?
I graduated from Georgia Southern University with my B.A. in Marketing/Management. I then went on to UNCC and graduated with my MAT in Secondary Education and English.
Why did you pursue a career in teaching?
I have always loved learning and education but did not originally pursue a career in English or teaching. After graduating from college, I went and worked in recruiting and hiring which mainly focused on recruitment of recent college and high school graduates into the technology field. I saw a gap in candidates’ abilities to speak, write, and communicate their experiences in interviews and wanted to make a change in my own career. I combined my love of reading and writing and the ability to create change to begin my career in high school English classrooms. It has been amazing to teach and see my students go on to higher education and start their own careers.
What brought you to Walton High School?
My husband and I both graduated from Walton High School. Returning to teach here felt natural because this school shaped who I am. As an alum, I experienced firsthand the staff’s excellence and the students’ drive, and I want to contribute to that tradition. The culture of high expectations paired with genuine support aligns with how I teach and provides a wonderful opportunity to challenge students. Professionally, I’m drawn to the school’s reputation for a collaborative staff, working in our English department has helped me to grow in new techniques and ideas pairing with some of the best teachers in the state. I want to pour back into the community that invested in me by helping students reach ambitious goals, strengthening my own teaching skills, and supporting extracurriculars that build on skillsets outside my own classroom.
What subjects and grades do you teach?
I am currently teaching Literature and Composition II (10th grade) and Advanced Composition (12th grade) English courses.
Do you have a favorite section/unit/topic that you enjoy covering each semester? If so, what is it?
We have new curriculum this year in English, so it is hard to pinpoint a favorite currently, but it has been fun to rediscover text and develop new ideas with short stories, novels, and plays and work on student’s comprehension, vocabulary, and writing skills. I always love when we find a unit and students can connect to a theme or character from many centuries ago whether it is the jealousy in Othello or the warrior mentality in The Iliad, students can relate and enjoy.
What hobbies do you have?
I am a mom of two, so we love to travel as a family, and cheer them on in their sports. We love to spend time with our golden retriever, Penny, with lots of walks and running around the neighborhood to unwind and relax. Lastly, I love to read and participate in a monthly book club.
What is your favorite non-academic event at Walton?
I am a club sponsor to our new Public Speaking Club, and a co-sponsor to Glamor Gals. In both clubs I am given an opportunity to see our students reaching out in the community and growing in their ability to communicate and learn in unique ways that a classroom does not provide. I am always impressed with their dedication, commitment, and passion. I of course love all our sports but Lacrosse in the spring holds a special space for me as I played lacrosse here at Walton when it first became a team!
What do you enjoy most about being a teacher at Walton?
The community. From my students to their parents, to our teachers, and administration we are all on the same team working to the same goals. I am continually grateful to be a Raider!
Donate today to support more teacher salaries at Walton High School.
