A language arts teacher at Falcon Middle School is writing her legacy as one of the best in the state. In her third year as an educator, Ashley Lowe was selected as one of seven finalists for Colorado Teacher of the Year by the Colorado Department of Education.

Lowe has triumphed as an educator during unique and challenging times. “Teaching through a screen in 2020 made it harder to see if you were making an impact,” she shared. “I learned to hold onto the words of actor Lin-Manuel Miranda from the on-stage production Hamilton for inspiration … ‘a legacy is about planting seeds in a garden you never get to see.’ As educators, we have to remember that beyond the confines of our classrooms and schools, there are students who have been positively impacted in small and large ways.”

Lowe believes she teaches more than reading and writing to eighth-graders in Firebird Nation. As an English teacher, she encourages students to incorporate empathy in communication, and she models authenticity to grow her learners. Lowe credits much of her success as a modern teacher to her colleagues. “The teachers and leaders of Falcon Middle have taken me under their wings since day one. They have big hearts for what they do, and I am blessed and proud to work with them.”

The list of fantastic teachers in District 49 goes beyond the walls of Falcon Middle. Last spring, D49 celebrated 23 Teachers of the Year and is proud one of our own has made it to the next level vying for the Colorado Teacher of the Year title. The statewide winner will be named by the end of October and will represent Colorado in the National Teacher of the Year competition.