A lasting impression: Meet inspiring teacher, Ashley Love

Mrs. Ashley Love has been teaching for 18 years and is the 8th grade lead teacher and Social Studies Department lead at Swainsboro Middle School. She began teaching at Swainsboro Middle School in 2014, in 8th grade Georgia Studies. “I have been blessed enough to have only ever taught at SMS – right here in the same Georgia Studies classroom for the past 11 years. I received the Emanuel County Schools F.A.M.I.L.Y. Award in April of 2023, and that award meant so much to me!” commented Love.

During the past 11 years, Mrs. Love received a master’s degree in Middle Grade education from Georgia Southern and a Specialist degree from Valdosta State in Teacher Leadership. She also has a Gifted endorsement and a PBIS endorsement and plans to start her Doctorate in the summer.

“I am Ashley Kelley Love. I am married to my husband of 18 years, Randy. Together, we have five children: Tyler, Brent, Tal, Kanin and Karlee. I am from Emanuel County, graduated from ECI in 2002. After high school, I went to EMT School and served Emanuel County for 10 years as a medic.

While working EMS, I began college. First at East Georgia, then transferring over to Georgia Southern to finish my degree in Middle Grade education. While working at the ambulance service, I fell in love with public service. As a medic, I was able to serve my community and help people in need. When the Pre-K students would come to tour the hospital and ambulances, I would always lead the tours. I loved the interactions with the kids! Although I loved helping people in their moments of crisis, I realized that I wanted to serve my community in a different capacity – I wanted to take all the lessons and skills I had learned while being a Medic and help the youth of our community by being a positive, supportive and encouraging educator. Plus, I really like to talk!” stated Love.

When asked if Mrs. Love had a teacher that inspired her to become the educator that she is today, this was her response; “Mrs. Lorraine Minton is a teacher that has positively impacted my life. She taught me 8th grade ELA. She was an amazing teacher, and she saw something in me! She made me believe I was a wonderful writer and ignited my love for writing. Even as an adult, she continues to support and encourage me at every turn. I had the honor to teach one of her Grandchildren a few years ago. It was so wonderful to tell him (often) that his grandma was my favorite teacher!”

Swainsboro Middle School is amazing! The teachers are fully supported by the administration, and our culture is better than it has ever been. I am blessed to lead a group of wonderful educators who are passionate about students and SMS.

Outside of school, Mrs. Love enjoys spending time with her family, including their four yorkies; Kevin, James, Lisa, and Tommy.

Now that you’ve met the teacher and read her story, read her Q/A’s below to further understand Ashley Love’s incredible values of teaching and how she’s changing and inspiring young lives in our community.

What have you found most rewarding in your career?

Love: The most rewarding part of teaching Georgia Studies is being able to help my students SEE Georgia. Georgia is such an interesting, amazing state- there is so much more to our state than just our little town. Some of my students have never explored the historical wonders of Savannah or never heard the stories of the people that built our state. I get to tell them those stories. I get to be the person that helps them develop a love for Georgia. I love when my students are able to create projects that exemplify their learning- when they are able to put their own unique personality into their creations to show me they understand what we are learning! My classroom is decorated with so many amazing projects that have been made over the years. It is amazing to watch students smile when they see their projects have made “the wall”!

Do you feel that each of your students have left a lasting impression on you?

Love: Of course, each of my students have left a lasting impression on me! Every year, my students make a “Class of 20**” poster. Each student signs the poster, then it is hung on my wall to forever memorize that special group. I often look at those posters and can remember moments with different students. I am a better person because of the names on those posters!

What advice would you like to give to new or upcoming educators?

Love: I think the most important piece of advice that I can give to an upcoming educator is to remember that their students are learning so much more than content. Make your classroom feel like a second home. Set high expectations and model those expectations. Apologize to your students when you make a mistake, big or small. Let them know you are human! Give them grace- they are growing and learning. As educators, we are in a trusted position within our classrooms. Treat other peoples’ children like you would want your child treated! Love them!!

Love does it make you feel to see the success that many of your previous students have become?

Love: So many of my past students have grown into adulthood so quickly! Some are married with children. Some have joined the military. Some have graduated from college and have amazing careers. I feel so blessed to have been a steppingstone in their path and I am so proud to watch their successes unfold!

If you could tell your past students or future students one thing that you hope will stick with them all throughout life, what would that be?

Love: I tell my students on the first day of school that I completely understand they might not remember all the (amazing) things we learn about Georgia, but the one thing I hope they always remember is that, yes, I do love Georgia… But I love them. I hope each one of them looks back and remembers that they were special to me!

What’s a favorite memory or some of your favorite memories that you have from your time as an educator?

Love: I have so many cherished memories because of being an educator. I can’t even pick one or a few! I am so blessed to be able to do what I do! I have built so many wonderful memories and relationships with coworkers, students, and parents over the years!