>> EDUCATION
First-grade teacher Mary Ashley McCue, at Lakeview Primary School, was named the 2024 District Teacher of the Year at the annual gala Oct. 26.
McCue is originally from Griffin but moved to Baldwin County to attend Georgia College and graduated with a degree in childhood education. After meeting her husband and graduating, she settled in Baldwin County to begin her teaching journey at Blandy Hills Elementary School. McCue taught there for 20 years and has taught at Lakeview Primary School for seven years.
“I taught third grade for nine years and I’ve taught first grade for 17 years,” said McCue. “Teaching has been a passion of mine since I was inspired by one of my own teachers and it’s that passion that keeps my love for this profession alive.”
McCue was inspired to become a teacher due to the influence of one of her teachers growing up. According to McCue, her teacher made learning “fun” and an “experience” that made content easier for her but also the day more enjoyable.
“She made learning fun and engaging and empowered me,” said McCue. “Before her, learning didn’t feel alive and that’s why I wanted to become a teacher and ensure my students always feel as if they are a part of the learning process.”
McCue specializes in hands-on and experiential learning through projects, activities, and creating an energetic environment within her classroom. According to her, she enjoys creating a “sense of community” that helps to build between her students and herself.
“It’s important to make those connections so students are motivated to learn,” said McCue. “It prompts more questions, curiosity, passion, and overall enjoyment for the students. I want them to be engaged because that is what makes learning come alive for both students and teachers.”
Connections are not only essential to her teaching style but also the most rewarding part of teaching for McCue. According to her, meeting students and parents after they have left her mentorship is a unique and special experience.
“You get to see the impact you’ve had on these students and how much they have grown or changed with time,” said McCue. “They retell things they’ve learned and what they remember doing in my class and it makes teaching feel more real and reaffirms that I’m doing a good job.”
When planning for her class, McCue believes that sometimes “spur of the moment lessons” are the most impactful and tying the standards to activities and community projects is beneficial. Her classes often will do community service projects to create things for the lunchroom or will do an activity that expands on the standards being taught.
“It’s about creating an experience for the students and a chance for them to make choices and understand how they can help others through learning and building essential skills,” said McCue. “The students love being able to create and are always asking what the next project is because they are excited.”
McCue stated that it was a shock for her to be named as a Teacher of the Year and even more surprising to be named District Teacher of the Year. While she is nervous to move on to the state competition, McCue assures she will do her very best for the district and her community.
“Teaching is all about passion and I’m going to do my very best at state,” said McCue. “For anyone who feels the inspiration to become a teacher, I recommend fueling your passion and letting it guide your teaching. Loving what you do makes the job more impactful not only for you but for all the students that you will lead.”