Ashley S. Bland has received a coveted award that could set off a journey to additional state and national education awards.

The 30-year-old Ms. Bland was named Richmond Public Schools 2021 Teacher of the Year.

The surprise was over-whelming, Ms. Bland says, yet she relishes the future possibilities.

“My goal is to achieve and go as far as I can, as I set my goal on Virginia Teacher of the Year first,” she says. “National Teacher of the Year is always in the back of my mind.”

Ms. Bland is an instructional technology resource teacher with bachelor’s degrees in biomedical engineering and physics from Virginia Commonwealth University. Either of her undergraduate degrees could have landed her in lucrative positions in the private sector.

But Ms. Bland fell in love with education and has been teaching since 2015.

“Teaching is really my passion. Working with children is my passion,” said Ms. Bland, who works with preschoolers and elementary and middle school students at three city schools.

As she watches students progress from kindergarten to middle school, Ms. Bland says, “They offer me a lot of mindful perspective on what I can expect on each level so I can better serve them. I may know what issues they may be experiencing as we work toward the end goals.”

Ms. Bland doesn’t think corporate experiences would be as fulfilling as working with youngsters in a school district comprised largely of students of color.

“In education, I’m showing students that they can master technology,” she says.

Ms. Bland and her twin sister, Kendra Jackson, a Howard University graduate, are first-generation college graduates. They have inspired their 27-year-old brother, Christopher Jackson, who works for a car company, to consider exploring his options at a community college.

“I never thought I would go to college and pursue the things I did,” Ms. Bland says. But her life changed, she says, when she met Donovan Tucker through the Richmond Teacher Residency program at VCU. Mr. Tucker had a similar background and career path before switching careers to education, she says.

In the teacher residency program, she worked and learned beside Mr. Tucker and other experts as she earned a master’s degree.

“Mr. Tucker loves education, especially math, and was able to teach me his ways to educate students. I took a lot of his strengths and married it to my teaching style,” she says.

The greatest lesson he taught was building community where students and families feel connected to RPS, Ms. Bland says. “He also did not hesitate about reaching out to parents or driving by their homes.”

Working at the now-closed Elkhardt Middle School, which had a large population of Spanish-speaking students, “he learned their customs and language and believed ‘by any means necessary’ to be an effective educator,” Ms. Bland recalls.

“I love that type of attitude because you never have an excuse for why you can’t get something done.” She said he taught her how to engage students with unconventional methods using instruction technology.

Ms. Bland’s message to Richmond students and their families is a clear understanding of the challenges of the last 12 months.

“This has been a time like no other,” she says. “It has taught educators to continue to have parents as partners. It does require a village to further success in education for all of our children. The district must continue our momentum.”

Meet awarding-winning teacher and this week’s Personality, Ashley S. Bland:

Latest accomplishment: 2021 Richmond Public Schools Teacher of the Year.

Date and place of birth: April 5 in Westmoreland County. Where I live now: Glen Allen.

Alma maters: Bachelor’s degrees in biomedical engineering and physics, Virginia Commonwealth University, December 2013; master’s of education in curriculum and instruction, VCU, May 2016.

Family: Husband, Alonza, and daughter, Aloni, 4.

Occupation: Instructional technology resource teacher with RPS. I serve three schools, John B. Cary Elementary School, Mary Scott Preschool and Binford Middle School.

How long I’ve been a teacher: Since 2015. I served as a teacher resident first through a program known as the Richmond Teacher Residency, or RTR. The experience of working alongside a teaching expert, Donovan Tucker, really cultivated my experience particularly in working in an urban setting. I have not looked back since!

First teaching job: Thomas Jefferson High School as a long-term sub. I fell in love with it and went back to school to get my master’s degree.

Reaction to top teacher award: I’m proud to represent my district. We are unique in many ways, including having a virtual school year.

How I got the news: I was actually surprised. I was told to come to John B. Cary to take pictures at a Teacher Appreciation Week event to share on social media. Little did I know I would be receiving the award. My administrators got me good!

Why I became a teacher: To inspire, particularly girls of color. My first role in education was as a middle school math teacher. I want my students to know they can achieve anything and everything they put their minds to.

My teaching philosophy: Every child comes to a lesson with some experience. As a teacher, it is my duty to make connections between their experience and the learning target for the day.

Challenges of virtual teaching: Some of the challenges to virtual teaching overlap with the challenges to teaching in person. You can’t control the uncontrollable, although students look a bit different in a virtual setting. It’s also challenging not being able to put your eyes on students and just check in. I miss that connect.

Three strategies I use to help students achieve their goals during the pandemic: Building community, even online. Students crave structure, especially during this uncertain time. Allowing students to set goals and then reflect on and monitor their progress. Providing real-time feedback.

Likely long-term changes as a result of the pandemic: The beauty of the pandemic is the exposure. We have preschoolers using Chromebooks and engaging in class. I hope teachers still leverage the benefits of technology after this.

Technology now means: Access! I can talk to a person from across the world with the click of a button.

What’s needed going forward: Education has taken a shift this year. Moving forward we need to continue to think about how to foster and strengthen the relationship between school and home.

Plans for the next academic year: I plan to continue serving my schools with love! Since we will be a true 1:1 district (one device for every student), I’m sure my days will look a little different. That’s the exciting part about teaching — no day is ever the same.

Advice to aspiring teachers: Teaching is such a personal profession. The work we do in education cannot be done in silos. It truly takes a village. Get to know your students and their families. Get to know your colleagues. It pays dividends!

Role of parents in the learning process: Parents are definitely educational partners. I believe this year has been pivotal and the start to reimagining the connect between school and home.

Biggest challenge facing students: Perhaps not knowing how to ask for help. The virtual space makes this a bit more challenging. However, there are so many resources available. Please don’t suffer in silence. Reach out to a trusted adult.

How this challenge impacts schoolwork: Students ultimately crave safe spaces. You need that before any learning can occur.

A good teacher is: Critically reflective. Every lesson will not be stellar or go as planned, but taking the time to reflect is essential. Teachers are lifetime learners. We are constantly seeking ways to improve.

A good student is: Honest. Students can advocate for themselves if they are honest about what their needs are.

How I start the day: I like to start the day on a positive note. RPS has incorporated the idea of a “community circle” every morning that incorporates mindfulness. Even when I don’t have the chance to hop in a session with a teacher, I definitely take the time to check in with myself.

Three words that best describe me: Fun, dedicated and resourceful.

Best late-night snack: I try to avoid eating late, but I will definitely sneak a Snickers from time to time!

How I unwind: Cooking. I like trying new recipes or recreating my favorites.

What I have learned about myself during the pandemic: The importance of work-life balance. Having to work from home has been a challenge. However, working all day doesn’t make you a better worker. I can accomplish a lot in one day and still spend quality time with my loved ones.

Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: Sing.

Quote that I am most inspired by: “Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth.” — Shirley Chisholm.

At the top of my “to-do” list: To travel again!

Best thing my parents ever taught me: To be true to self. If I don’t “fit the mold,” I can create my own.

Person who influenced me the most: My maternal grandmother. She has a heart of gold. She would give the shirt off her back and expect nothing in return. That selflessness has played over to how I see myself as an educator. Richmond has given me so much. I hope to give back what I have received.

Book that influenced me the most: “Minority Leader: How to Lead from the Outside and Make Real Change” by Stacey Abrams.

What I’m reading now: I’m so inspired by the work of Amanda Gorman. Teachers received a hard copy of her inaugural poem, “The Hill We Climb,” in celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week at Binford Middle School. It’s a short poem but so powerful.

Next goal: Virginia Teacher of the Year, here I come!