Alumna Ashley Park-Brouse Wins Teaching Award

Alumna Ashley Park-Brouse ’15 won an Outstanding Mathematics Educator Award in the fall from the Maryland Council of Teachers of Mathematics. This award is given to mathematics teachers who exemplify excellence in mathematics education by implementing research-informed practices in their daily work.

Park-Brouse won in the middle school teacher category for her work as a 7th-grade special education teacher at Lake Elkhorn Middle School in Maryland’s Howard County Public School System.

“Winning the Outstanding Middle School Math Educator Award along with my co-teacher (Sabrina Cunningham) is such an honor,” said Park-Brouse. “While teaching and working with students is a rewarding profession, being recognized for the hard work, creativity and intentional activities we develop for our students is wonderful. It is very rewarding when professionals in the field of teaching recognize the passion and determination that I put into my work for my students.”

Park-Brouse credits her time in Hood’s education program for laying a solid foundation for her career.

“The skills and strategies that were emphasized throughout the program are used every day in the field,” she said. “The internships Hood provided immersed me in a school and its culture, and I became fully invested in the students I was working with. This helped develop my teaching philosophy that is student-centered; I desire for my students to take ownership of their learning, take risks and enjoy the learning process. Hood College and my professors helped me become the teacher I am today as I continue to set high expectations for myself and my students.”