Alumni Spotlight: Ashley Bumpers
M.A.T. '20, National College of Education at NLU
Ashley Bumpers is a kindergarten through second grade resource teacher for Jane A. Neil Elementary, a Chicago Public School (CPS) geared toward students with special needs.Ashley first started working for this institution as a Special Education Classroom Assistant before taking her career to the next level by graduating from the National College of Education’s M.A.T. program in 2020, a year during which she also participated in the Teacher Residency Program.
“The residency program is amazing because you get hands-on experience. Residents lead and teach on their own. Being able to do that and work with a teacher mentor is invaluable,” said Ashley.
The program gave her a lot of agency as a teacher. She cited one particular example when she brought a police officer to the classroom during a “community helpers” unit. Her students were thrilled about the visit and asked the officer a lot of questions. This was a big moment for Ashley in understanding her impact as an educator, especially because she was given the reins as co-teacher.
Likewise, the Teacher Residency Program had a huge influence on Ashley’s educational career. She started her residency program in-person before abruptly making the virtual learning transition during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“My mentor did a great job of transitioning virtually and I did everything she did. I was prepared because my mentor was a great example.”
Ashley commented that the program is not only great for gaining experience, but also works as a key networking tool.
“I still talk to my principal and co-teacher from my teacher residency year. I couldn’t have been more prepared like I am now because of my residency.”
Ashley’s career launched through her residency year, in large part because of her supportive professors who “maintained high standards.” All of this led to the recent culminating achievement of making the news. In April 2021, Ashley was named WGN’s Teacher of the Month and continues leading her own classroom at Jane A. Neil. Congrats, Ashley!
