Ridgewood educator wins CORAS teaching award

Ridgewood Local Schools announced Ashley Klier, a longtime educator at Ridgewood Elementary School, was honored as a CORAS Outstanding Elementary Teacher at the Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools awards ceremony Feb. 10 at the Pritchard-Laughlin Civic Center in Cambridge.

CORAS, in partnership with the Ohio University Gladys W. and David H. Patton College of Education, represents 101 school districts and educational institutions across the 32-county Appalachian region of Ohio. The organization recognizes outstanding educators who exemplify excellence in teaching and service to students and communities throughout the region.

Klier has dedicated 20 years to the Ridgewood Local School District, serving for many years as a third grade classroom teacher and currently as a first grade Title I reading intervention teacher. Throughout her career she has been an advocate for early childhood literacy and for building strong reading foundations in young learners.

“Ashley Klier exemplifies the very best of what it means to be an educator,” said Mike Masloski, superintendent of Ridgewood Local Schools. “She understands that literacy is the foundation for all learning, and she brings that belief to life every day through her instruction, her relationships with students and her unwavering commitment to helping every child grow. Ridgewood is incredibly proud of her and grateful for the impact she has had on generations of students.”

“Ashley meets every child where they are and helps them believe in themselves as learners,” said Nate Carpenter, principal of Ridgewood Elementary School. “She builds strong relationships, creates a joyful learning environment and makes reading something students are excited about. Our school is better because of her work, and our students are better because of her care and dedication.”

As both a classroom teacher and reading intervention specialist, Klier is known for meeting students where they are and helping them move forward with confidence. Her instruction reflects best practices in phonics, fluency, comprehension and student engagement. Just as importantly, she creates a joyful learning environment where students feel safe, valued and excited to learn.

Klier is especially recognized for the personal connections she builds with her students. She takes time to understand each child’s strengths, challenges, interests and story. Because of this, her students are willing to take risks, try new strategies and build confidence as readers.

One of her most beloved classroom traditions from her years as a third grade teacher was the annual class book, centered around the class pet, Gus the hamster. This student-driven project brought reading and writing to life as students collaborated to tell stories about Gus’ “adventures,” applying writing skills, editing, creativity and humor. The finished book became a keepsake and a celebration of literacy and classroom community.