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Instead of attending college directly after high school, Ash Mattys spent years seeing the world and building her family. When she decided to become a teacher, she enrolled at ���ϳԹ� and completed the MA+ Teacher Licensure program. Now as an English teacher at Fairview High School, she has shined as a teacher who engages her students
and fights for educational equity. She co-leads Families and Educators Together, a group that works toward a more inclusive community.

“When you’re in Ash’s class, it’s easy to forget that you’re in an English class,” said BVSD mentor and award nominator Chris Barnes. “The flow of instruction and student participation is seamless. And the atmosphere is one in which you feel lucky to belong.”

Sara McIntosh grew up seeing the power of education up close, as both of her parents were teachers. She has since devoted over 30 years to teaching and supporting literacy as a literacy interventionist at Emerald Elementary. She believes that reading can be a tool for equity by helping kids find their voice.��

“Sara takes her role as literacy interventionist very seriously,” said fellow interventionist and nominator Jamie Smith. “She is a voice and support for the many children in our school who too often slip through the cracks because of a lack of home support, resources or other reasons beyond their control. If a student is in need, she will go out of her way to advocate for resources or time
for them.”