MADISON – Luckily, Ashley Rogers followed her mother’s advice about the importance of loving your career. Rogers is “Teacher of the Year” at West Madison Elementary School.

“I’m so excited I work with children and put the joy of learning in their hearts. If my mother were still alive, she would be very proud of my career choices and the love I’ve put into it,” Rogers said.

“This is my eighth year teaching, but just my fourth year working for the BEST school system in Alabama — Madison City Schools,” Rogers said. She recently finished two years with kindergartners, after working with first-graders for two years. She also taught four years “in the great city of Chalmette, La., a New Orleans suburb.”

She graduated with honors from University of New Orleans with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She completed one semester in Indianapolis, Ind. because of Hurricane Katrina’s damage but quickly returned to New Orleans “to help rebuild my wonderful town. I also have two add-on certifications in early childhood and special education.”

Before moving in 2014, husband Danny worked as a New Orleans police officer but now works for Bentley Hyundai. Students at Jones Valley Elementary School, the Rogers’ sons are sixth-grader Greyson, 11; fourth-grader Riley, 8; and 18-month-old Beau.

Ashley has helped West Madison’s Social Club to plan after-school events that attracted teachers for team building and rest/relaxation. With the School Beautification team, she helped improve the campus’ look and confirm standards from Madison Beautification and Tree Board.

With K-2 Leadership Team, Ashley helped align assessments, report cards and resources among K-2 teachers.

Ashley delivered presentations to school staff and district grade-levels for CCRS (College and Career-Ready Standards) Science Team to implement new state standards.

“Not all my students will easily master everything I teach, but I tell them to try their ‘BEST.’ That’s enough for me. By praising my students for mastery of a skill, no matter how big or small, it encourages them to want to continue their learning,” Ashley said.

Ashley values parent-teacher relationships and keeping communication open for questions or concerns. She has used Class Dojo app to share students’ reports and videos.

“My most favorite teacher that ‘pushed’ me into teaching was my eleventh-grade algebra teacher, Mr. Herbert. He loved his job,” Ashley said. “He wore different ties correlating with his daily lessons. I rushed to class to see what tie he had on and start hypothesizing about what we would learn.”

“Like Mr. Herbert, I need to make each day at school exciting. All my 167 students have made an impact in my career. Each kiddo has warmed my heart at some point. I treasure my eight yearly class photos and proudly display them in my classroom,” Ashley said.

The ballpark, music lessons, backyard games and movies fill the Rogers’ free time. Ashley also likes cooking, reading, DIY crafting, creating games for students and cheering on the New Orleans Saints. “Who DAT!”