Four local teachers were awarded scholarships from Ashford University to pursue master’s degrees as part of the San Diego Padres’ Teacher Appreciation Night on May 3 at Petco Park.

“I am elated and so excited about this opportunity. This is great for teachers because, while most of us are motivated to continue our education, not all of us can afford to do so,” said scholarship recipient Eric Fearn of Lakeside Middle School in the Lakeside Union School District. “By offering these master’s degree scholarships to teachers, Ashford is improving the communities in San Diego County for the long-term.”

Fearn, who has taught Spanish immersion courses in history and literature for more than a decade, plans to enroll in the Master of Arts in Education program. Other recipients of the Ashford Teacher Appreciation Scholarships are Amanda Gonzales of Jacumba Middle School in the Mountain Empire Unified School District; Dyane Plumly of the San Diego County Office of Education in the Juvenile Court and Community Schools; and Kristen Saucerman of Coronado Middle School in the Coronado Unified School District – all of whom plan to pursue Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning with Technology degrees. The teacher scholarships are offered in partnership with the San Diego County Office of Education and include full program tuition, all books, and a technology fee waiver.

“Ashford University is honored to recognize these outstanding teachers in the community for all of their hard work in educating our youth and bettering the future of San Diego,” said Ashford University academic department chair Gina Warren, who presented the awards during a pregame ceremony at Petco Park. “Additionally, Ashford’s progressive digital platforms are an ideal fit for these educators. The online programs provide them the flexibility needed to pursue their master’s degrees while continuing with their existing obligations.”

To be selected for the Teacher Appreciation Scholarship, applicants submitted essays on the effects of online learning, the expanding modern classroom, and a teacher’s impact on the learning community. All essays were then subjected to a blind review conducted by representatives from the San Diego County Office of Education and Ashford University.

 About Ashford University

Ashford University is defining the modern college experience by combining the heritage of a traditional campus with the flexibility and effectiveness of online learning. The University provides a vibrant learning community where high-quality programs and leading-edge technology create a dynamic, immersive and stimulating learning experience. The University offers practical and progressive associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs online, as well as bachelor’s degree programs at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. Ashford University – where heritage meets innovation. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Winet Rodriguez, vice president of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.