It was a beautiful night for a baseball game and a beautiful night for Ashford University to honor the area’s educators during its annual “AU Night at the Ballpark” on Thursday, May 6. 

Prior to the start of the Clinton LumberKings baseball game at Alliant Energy Field, Ashford announced the winners of its first-ever local teacher scholarships, as well as a “Teacher of the Year” award. During the awards ceremony the university awarded three full scholarships to its two online teacher education programs – the Master of Arts of Education or the Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning with Technology. It also presented $500.00 for classroom materials to the area’s first “Teacher of the Year.” 

“Our area teachers are the most talented in the nation, said John Ballheim, Ashford University Vice President and Campus Director. “Their dedication to their students is unparalleled. Ashford University believes that today’s teachers will create the success of our children. Ashford is committed to the improvement of teaching and learning and is proud to offer three scholarships to our area’s finest educators.”   

Scholarship recipients were:

• Kathy Andrews, eighth grade language arts teacher at Prince of Peace Academy; she will enroll in the Masters of Education program.
• Annette Munck, first grade teacher at Camanche Elementary School, who will enroll in the Masters of Education program.
• Kayleen Turner, third grade teacher at Camanche Elementary School. She will enroll in Ashford’s Master of Teaching and Learning with Technology program.

Barb Rhoades, a Title I teacher at Eagle Heights Elementary School, was named the Ashford Teacher of the Year. One of her colleagues said that Rhoades “is a ‘master’ teacher who searches out each and every day to find the way to connect with every learner. Barb is passionate and driven in helping students, parents, families, and peers in translating the language of learning. She is a ‘master’ learner who constantly strives to become better at teaching. Barb has been a faithful cooperating/mentor teacher who has nurtured countless Ashford student teachers.”

All area education professionals were recognized during the Ashford event.

About Ashford University

Founded in 1918, Ashford University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org). The University offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs online and at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. The University is known for its high quality yet highly affordable online and on-campus programs. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, director of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.