On October 11, Ashley Lockwood, fifth-grade immersion teacher at Milford’s Lulu Ross Elementary School, was announced as Delaware’s 2023 Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made by Governor John Carney during a ceremony honoring the state’s 20 district/charter teachers of the year.
Lockwood earned her Master of Education in Elementary Studies, K-6, and Special Education from Wilmington University’s College of Education in 2013. As noted by the Delaware Department of Education in its announcement article, she often reflects on a question posed by one of her WilmU instructors: What will your impact be?
In her career as an educator, which includes nine years of teaching in the Milford School District and Dorchester County, Maryland, public schools, Lockwood has pursued many opportunities to make a positive impact. She currently serves on Lulu Ross Elementary’s Positive Behavior Support committee and the Milford Education Association’s Executive Board. She chairs the association’s Ethnic Minority Affairs Committee (EMAC), and serves on the Delaware State Education Association’s EMAC. On top of all that, Lockwood is the Kent County Committee Chair for the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League Young Professionals, providing community service to underrepresented communities in Kent County.
Now, Lockwood is also Delaware’s candidate in the National Teacher of the Year Program. In addition, she will represent all Delaware teachers as she addresses community groups, business leaders, legislators, and educational organizations to inform the public about the status of Delaware schools.
“Now is our time to intentionally create spaces that give voice to our students and to our fellow educators.”
— Ashley Lockwood
In her acceptance speech, Lockwood underscored the importance of collaboration among educators. “Going through this process, I realized just how much of a collaborative effort great and effective teaching really is,” she noted. “Yes, we stand alone in front of our students, but in order to see progress, make changes and improve student outcomes, strong collaboration among teachers is necessary.”
“We have the nation’s attention right now, and now is our time to intentionally create spaces that give voice to our students and to our fellow educators,” Lockwood stated as she addressed her fellow nominees. “There probably has never been a better time for us to make our needs known and to work together to see that those needs are met. In this coming year and beyond, I am looking forward to advocating for those needs and shedding the best light possible on our profession.”
Lockwood takes over the role of Delaware Teacher of the Year from Jahsha Tabron of Brandywine High School, another Wilmington University graduate. In fact, 12 of the last 15 Delaware Teachers of the Year have graduated from the University.
WilmU is so proud of our outstanding education program graduates and the contributions they make to our schools and communities. We congratulate Ashley Lockwood and all the 2023 Delaware Teacher of the Year nominees.
If you would like to learn more about how WilmU works for aspiring and experienced educators, please visit our College of Education and Liberal Arts home page.
