Ignite the Spark is a teacher award program that highlights the individuals who are inspiring Milwaukee’s next generation. This year MMAC is honoring 10 educators representing all Milwaukee schools (public, private, charter) and all grade levels (K-5, K-8, 6-8, HS).
Ashley Fahey is Reagan High School’s IB Career Related Program Coordinator for grades 11-12. She has been in the education field for 16 years.
What inspired you to become an educator?
School was a safe place for me, and I wanted to create the environment for other students.
How would you describe your teaching philosophy or approach to learning?
I believe that school should expose students to as many different opportunities so that they can make informed decisions about their post-secondary goals. I also believe that all subjects should align to careers either through skills, content, contexts or concepts.
What do you find most rewarding about being an educator?
Cultivating relationships with students, supporting them through tough times and seeing them make the best post-secondary choices for them to achieve their goals.
What is one of the biggest challenges you face as an educator today?
I think technology has become a distraction rather than a learning tool. I’m concerned about the ethical use of AI and social media by my high school students as it relates to their ability to think in complex ways and for their mental health.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in education?
It’s the best industry to work in! Every day is different, and it can be the most fun. There’s also more to education than teaching, so there are lots of opportunities for staff as well!
What excites you most about the future of education?
The future of education has so much potential! With more emphasis on project-based and collaborative learning, we can help cultivate the next generation of world changers!
