Kiara Gray has been named Ashford University’s Outstanding Alum of the Month for August 2017. The Ashford University Outstanding Alum of the Month recognition was created to spotlight Ashford success stories and graduates who have used their Ashford education as a springboard to personal and professional achievement.
Having taught for six years, Gray discovered Ashford while working alongside fellow teachers who were Ashford students and alumni.
“A lot of my coworkers were attending Ashford for their bachelor’s degree and they suggested I look into the master’s program,” said Gray. “With me running around a lot during the day for school, work, and my kids, I found Ashford would fit my lifestyle.”
Gray decided to enroll in the master of arts in education, early childhood education specialization* program and graduated in 2017. One of the aspects of her Ashford experience that Gray enjoyed was having a course structure that allowed her to know exactly what to expect.
“I knew from the first day of class what the expectations were for the next six weeks,” said Gray. “If I wanted to do work prior to, I was able to do it. When I had down time, I was able to take advantage of the time and get additional work done.”
After graduating, Gray’s salary increased as well as her teaching knowledge. She continues to look to one of her professors, Dr. Tisha Shipley, as a go-to resource for information. She consistently applies the concepts she learned in her master’s program in her classroom and plans to continue teaching kindergarten.
To read more on Kiara Gray’s Ashford student success story, visit www.ashford.edu/online-learning-experience/student-success-stories/kiara-gray.
About Ashford University
Where heritage meets innovation – that’s Ashford University. At Ashford, students discover relevant degree programs, innovative technology, and cherished tradition. Ashford offers associates, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs online, allowing students to balance life by providing the flexibility to do school work anywhere, anytime. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu, www.facebook.com/ashforduniversity, www.twitter.com/AshfordU, or call Marianne Perez, Media Relations Manager, at 858.513.9240 x11636.
* An online degree from Ashford University does not lead to immediate teacher licensure in any state. If you want to become a classroom teacher, contact your state's education authorities prior to enrolling at Ashford to determine what state-specific requirements you must complete before obtaining your teacher's license. Ashford graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a state-by-state basis that will include one or more of the following: student teaching or practicum experience, additional coursework, additional testing, or, if the state requires a specific type of degree to seek alternative certification, earning an additional degree. None of Ashford's online education programs are CAEP, TEAC or NCATE accredited, which is a requirement for certification in some states. Other factors, such as a student’s criminal history, may prevent an applicant from obtaining licensure or employment in this field of study. All prospective students are advised to visit the Education Resource Organizations Directory (EROD) and to contact the licensing body of the state where they are licensed or intend to obtain licensure to verify that these courses qualify for teacher certification, endorsement, and/or salary benefits in that state prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s policies and procedures relating to licensure as those policies are subject to change.