Meet Haverford Middle School Teacher Ashley Doyle

Haverford-Havertown Patch is featuring great area teachers who deserve some spotlight. Teachers give a lot to their students, schools and studies and we'd like to recognize them and say a simple, thank you, for all that they do. What started off as a Christmas wish has become this teacher's career.

Name: Ashley Doyle

School: Haverford Middle School

Grade/Subject: 7th and 8th Grade Intensive Learning Support/Special Education

Years in the Industry: Fourth year (Have been at HMS since the start of my teaching career).

Teaching Background: I grew up in Bucks County and went to school in the Central Bucks School District. I attended the University of Delaware as a "fighting blue hen" from 2005-2009. While I was in college I was the president of the Best Buddies organization, which helps create relationships between individuals with intellectual disabilities and their non-disabled peers. I am actively involved with the Team in Training program, which is a branch of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Through this organization, I have competed in Olympic distance triathlons and have raised funds for blood cancer patients and research. I am currently finishing up my masters program at St. Joseph's University, where I am working towards becoming a Reading Specialist.

What do you like most about your job? 

I have the opportunity to work with a great population of students who have a strong desire to learn and to succeed. I get so excited when something "clicks!" The kids probably think I am crazy sometimes, but it really is the coolest thing!

Why did you become a teacher? 

I had such great teachers growing up and had such a great educational experience. When I was in fourth grade, I asked for a "classroom" for Christmas. When I woke up on Christmas morning I really did have a full classroom in my parents' basement, equipped with a few desks, a chalkboard, posters, a globe, chart paper, markers, etc. etc. I would spend hours and hours "teaching" my stuffed animals (and sometimes my little sister would reluctantly agree to be "taught") from old IBM computer manuals. I guess the rest is history!

What do you like best about your current school (projects, programs or activities that your school is a part of):

I teach with a lot of wonderful people, who started out as my mentors and have become some of my best friends. Additionally, we have great kids at HMS and there are many opportunities to see them "shine." An example includes the annual "Potter Cup," which is a day packed full of fun , sports, and school-spirit, all to raise funds for the Alex's Lemonade Stand charity. Another chance to see our kids "shine" is on the Gold Team camping trip. I have been a chaperone on this trip for the past two years and have enjoyed my time with this fantastic group of kind, intelligent, and dedicated 8th grade leaders.