Teacher Highlight: Ms. Melissa Ash | Middle School Science Teacher at Barnesville School of Arts and Sciences
We are thrilled to spotlight Ms. Melissa Ash, a passionate and dedicated teacher at Barnesville School of Arts & Sciences. In her third-year teaching at Barnesville, Ms. Ash brings a wealth of experience and a genuine love for her students, making her an invaluable part of the school.
Ms. Ash’s journey into education is one shaped by both dedication and adaptability. She earned her bachelor's in psychology from Steven University in 2015, before beginning her career as a paraeducator in the Autism Program within Montogomery County Public Schools. While working at Westland Middle School in Bethesda, Ms. Ash also pursued her Master’s in Secondary Education with a concentration in Biology, which she completed in 2019. Her path took a unique turn during her student-teacher internship when an unforeseen family emergency led to her mentor teacher being unable to continue teaching for the remainder of the year. Without hesitation, Ms. Ash stepped in to take over the classroom. This unexpected challenge allowed her to fully take on the role of the teacher, showcasing her resilience, adaptability, and commitment to her students. Afterward, Ms. Ash taught middle school science at St. Pius in Bowie, MD, but it wasn't until she arrived at Barnesville School of Arts & Sciences that she “truly found her teaching home,” says Ash. She was drawn to the opportunity to incorporate hands-on lab experiences that were missing at her previous school.
When asked what she finds most rewarding about teaching at Barnesville, Ms. Ash was quick to highlight the students. She explains, “The students in all my classes bring me so much joy and happiness every day. I really do really do struggle with long breaks because I just don’t feel as happy unless I am here with them!” Ms. Ash’s genuine affection for her students is evident in everything she does, from her daily lessons to her involvement in extracurricular activities.
Outside of the classroom, Ms. Ash co-coached Track and Field and Cross-Country alongside Ms. Crain. She enjoys connecting with students beyond academics, helping them to grow and thrive. This involvement in sports adds another layer of her teaching philosophy – creating well-rounded students who succeed both in and out of the classroom.
Outside of school, Ms. Ash has a variety of interests that help her unwind and give back to others. She enjoys playing video games to relax, something she bonded over with her older brother when the first Xbox was released. She also has a talent for crocheting blankets and spending quality time with her dogs, Red and Bear. In addition to her hobbies, Ms. Ash is deeply involved in supporting veterans across the country through her husband’s veterans motorcycle club. During the winter break, she took part in a special trip to Pennsylvania, where she helped feed homeless veterans and donated gifts to them and their families.
Ms. Ash’s commitment to both her students and the community extends far beyond the classroom. Her caring nature and dedication to helping others, make her an invaluable member of the Barnesville community.
We are so lucky to have Ms. Ash at Barnesville School of Arts & Sciences, and we look forward to seeing the continued positive impact she has on her students.
Barnesville School
21830 Peach Tree Road
PO Box 404
Barnesville, MD 20838
p: 301.972.0341
PO Box 404
Barnesville, MD 20838
p: 301.972.0341
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