Commendations

Colleagues

"Ashley Walker—When we hear that name what do we think? Reading Specialist? Innovative Educator? Crafty Mom? Mom to 57 children? Ashley is literally one of my favorite people. She is kind, easy to talk to—and provides the best advice—both personal and professional. Whenever I am stressed, her calming presence brings me down a few notches. Ashley has taught YOFO, English 9 Honors, English 9 College Prep, and she currently is our resident Reading Specialist. She offers amazing reading strategies to our struggling students. She also creates some of the most creative assignments as well. She is a treasure trove of amazing activities. I’m not sure I would have made it through my first year at VHS without Ashley’s support as the English 9 Team Leader. She balances working at VHS while taking college courses and parenting THREE children with ease. I’m not sure if she sleeps! She also one of the “craftiest” people I know!" - Lindsay Terry

"I could literally talk all day about Ashley Walker. I met Ashley 10 years ago while taking a course at VCU, and I remember thinking, "This girl is the real deal." That she is! Ashley Walker is a game-changer. She is an amazing educator, full of innovative ideas and a thorough knowledge of her field. She is quite the expert on all things reading education! Ashley is the perfect balance of discipline and personality. She sets high standards for her students and guides them to surpass their own expectations. Ashley is a devoted friend, an AMAZING wife and mother of three, a brilliant educator, and an overall good person. I am a better person for knowing Ashley Walker." –Tiffany Lewis

"I have been privileged to work with Ashley this year and am amazed at how she handles with ease, balance, and grace her roles as mother of three, reading specialist, mentor coordinator, student, and teacher. Ashley is a champion of new teachers and struggling students. It makes me smile watching her build relationships with new students and continuing those bonds with past students. There are a few past students that do not miss a day coming to see and be with her. Her laugh is infectious." –Renee Balch

"Ashleyyyyyyy Walkkkkkkkerrrrrr (game show voice) is a ray of constant sunshine. Her positivity, commitment to excellence, kindness to us all, and consistent smile make me so happy. Ashley loves 9th grade--genuinely...seriously. She has transformed children in a way that I swear she has magical powers. Three kids, earning ANOTHER endorsement, and taking on new roles is what Ashley is all about. This school is happier, kinder, calmer, and better readers because Ashley is here. I am thankful to call her a colleague and a friend. Ashley, I respect your commitment to integrity, your pep talks, and your encouraging words." –Emily Stains

"Fearless, meticulously-professional, and commanding an array of teaching strategies rivaled by few other instructors, Ashley Walker is clearly one of the most proficient educators in our school system." -Matt Cullen

"Ashley is everything to like 1,900 people in 6 different places. I'm so lucky to have started my teaching career under her watchful and supportive eye. She consistently has a group of kids that turn to her for academic and personal support throughout their time at VHS. She takes the newest VHS members (freshmen and teachers) under her wing and nurtures them into their very best selves." –JaNee Jones

Students

"I’ve decided to write a small letter thanking for all your help these last few years. I honestly believe it was your hands-on teaching in English nine that made me enjoy English so much. You truly know how to make learning fun. I enjoyed being taught by you; you are an excellent teacher and have inspired me to continue learning with an open and positive mind. I really feel that as a teacher you care very much about each one of your students and the education you’re providing them. I appreciate all your hard work, its meant so much to me. It’s been a great having you as my side kick throughout these years in high school. Thank you for just being there for me as a student and a friend." –Khira Scott

"Mrs. Walker is literally one of my favorites teachers. She has been there for me and has supported me through whatever since I've been at Varina. She checks in with me constantly and also makes sure that I'm okay. We've became so close throughout these year I've been here, that she's like another mom to me." –Peylyn Dabney