Hello amazing Ford community!  My name is Ashleigh Brateman and I am so EXCITED to be returning to the first grade team at Dr. Justina Ford Elementary!

I am a Colorado native and couldn’t imagine life without the Rocky Mountains.  I was born in Littleton Colorado and grew up in Highlands Ranch.  I have been teaching for 12 years, the past 4 years I have had the pleasure of teaching first grade at Ford.  Prior to teaching at Ford I was at Wilder Elementary teaching first grade as well.  In 2014, I graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with a BA in English Literature and Elementary Education. In 2019, I earned my Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a Reading Teacher Endorsement from the University of Colorado Denver.  As a lifelong learner, I am passionate about continuing my learning and the incredible impact it has on the students I teach.

  My husband Alex and I met in kindergarten in 1996 and he is without a doubt the best human EVER.  We just celebrated 9 years of marriage, 6 years with our mini Goldendoodle named Yeti whom we affectionately refer to as Yets, 4 years with our son Wade, and 2 years with our spicy girl Palmer! 

  Teaching is my heart and my passion.  I am lucky enough to wake up every morning loving what I do and getting to spend time with an amazing bunch of kids.  I cannot wait to continue my journey with you and your kids at Dr. Justina Ford next year!