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STEM/Leadership
        Teaching Today Minnesota | Winter 2025                                                                                                Page 21


                   Celebrating Ashley Wolf, A Champion of Education & Student Empowerment

        Math Teacher, Plainview-Elgin-Millville   From the very first day of school, Mrs.   supportive you are with them, the more posi-  profound  principles  of  kindness  and  respect.
        Public Schools                      Wolf makes it her mission to know her stu-  tive  learning  environment  you’re creating   “Obviously, you’re not going use the Pythago-
        2024 South Zone MREA Educator of    dents, not just as learners but as individuals.   for those kids,” she notes.  This philosophy   rean Theorem every day,” she admits, “but it’s
        Excellence                          She begins the year with a thoughtful ques-  not only strengthens their academic abilities   more about critical thinking, problem-solving,
                                            tionnaire, seeking to understand their interests,   but nurtures their confidence and well-being,   and basic human kindness—opening the door
                                            aspirations, and activities. This is more than a   fostering  an atmosphere  where learning  and   for somebody, saying please and thank you.”
                                            simple  icebreaker;  it’s the  foundation  of her   personal growth thrive.  These are the lessons that extend  beyond
                                            teaching approach. By tailoring her lessons   Mrs. Wolf’s influence isn’t confined to her   school walls, shaping students into thoughtful,
                                            and conversations to what resonates with her   math classes. She teaches a range of subjects,   capable individuals.
                                            students, Mrs. Wolf demonstrates that she sees   including Algebra II, Geometry, and Introduc-  Today, we honor  Ashley  Wolf  for her
                                            them and values their voices. “I love just inter-  tion to Statistics, and serves as an integral part   tireless dedication, compassion, and transfor-
                                            acting with the kids,” she says. “I think that’s   of the student council. Her leadership not only   mative teaching. She is not only a teacher but
                                            probably one of my favorite parts. I love being   enriches these programs but also cultivates   an inspiration—proving that the greatest edu-
                                            able to make a difference in their lives.”  student leadership, encouraging them to step   cators do more than teach; they empower.
                                               Her students feel this dedication deeply.   out  of  their  comfort  zones  and  work collab-  Congratulations  Mrs.  Wolf on being
                                            One student shared, “Mrs.  Wolf makes  me   oratively.  One  student  described  her  as  “an   named a 2024 MREA Educator of Excellence
                                            feel like we matter in her classroom and that   inspiration to get out of your comfort zone and   in the South Zone. Mrs.  Wolf was honored
                                            we all have a place. She makes you feel just   work with people who you don’t even know.”  and celebrated  in November  at  the  MREA
                                            very uplifted.” Another highlighted her tireless   Colleagues  are  quick  to  praise  Mrs.   Greater Education Summit at Cragun’s Resort
                                            commitment:  “She will  work with you until   Wolf’s dedication,  calling  her a beacon  of   in Brainerd.
            In the world of teaching, there are edu-  you get it 110%.” It’s no wonder her classroom   what makes rural education in Minnesota
        cators who impart knowledge, and then there   is filled with positive energy; Mrs. Wolf greets   exceptional.  Her passion for teaching,  deep
        are those who inspire transformation. Ashley   every student with a warm welcome, ensuring   understanding of her subject, and empathetic   www.pem.k12.mn.us
        Wolf, a math teacher at Plainview-Elgin-  that each one feels seen and supported from   approach make her a role model for students
        Millville  (PEM)  Public  Schools  exemplifies   the moment they walk through the door.  and  peers alike.  “She cares  about  her stu-
        the latter. A cornerstone of her school commu-  Beyond her engaging classroom, Mrs.   dents. She understands the value in education   Recommended watch! See a video  about Mrs.
        nity and a leader in the math department, Mrs.   Wolf  dedicates  time  to  creating  an  inclusive   and math education specifically,” PEM High   Wolf at https://www.mreavoice.org/ashley-wolf/
        Wolf’s impact  extends far beyond equations   and accessible  environment.  She sets aside   School Principal Mike Walton shares.
        and test scores—she fosters a sense of belong-  time before and after school and even sac-  Mrs. Wolf’s teaching goes beyond formu-  Article and photo courtesy of the Minnesota
        ing, resilience, and lifelong skills in each of   rifices  her  own  preparation  periods  to  help   las and theories. She instills critical thinking,   Rural Education Association — https://www.
        her students.                       students who need extra support. “The more   problem-solving  skills, and the  simple  yet   mreavoice.org


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