Her Story
About Ashley
Ashley Brooks serves as Director of Teaching and Learning at the I Can Dream Center in Chicago, Illinois. With a little over 20 years of experience in special education and early childhood education, she oversees curriculum selection and training, teacher coaching and observations, academic programming and outings, and strategic planning. Brooks earned her BA in Early Childhood Education and professional educator's license with a specialty in birth to third grade from Roosevelt University, followed by a Master's in Teacher Leadership from the same institution. She completed a fellowship through New Leaders and earned her principal license while serving as a resident principal in Chicago Public Schools. She is currently enrolled in the EDD in Leadership program at the American College of Education. In addition to her role at the center, where she leads early childhood, credit recovery, and adult transition programs, Brooks serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors for Trinity Child Care Centers and is a member of ASCD, the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Ashley
01What do you attribute your success to?
My daughter inspires me to accomplish things and overcome trials so she can see her mom succeed and stand on shoulders of excellence, just as I stand on my ancestors' shoulders.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Do not wait for someone to tap you on the shoulder. Pave your own path. You are capable of all the opportunities.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You already got it. Be intentional about relationships, stay true to yourself, know who you are, stand true to your core values, and always do what's best for children.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenge with funding, but opportunity to be creative in finding different ways to pull in resources and funding to support students academically, socially, and emotionally.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I am a heart-to-head person. It allows me to be compassionate, value relationship building, and respect another human being.
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