Ashley Cardamone, Holmes Junior High School

Position: 7th-9th grade art teacher

Years Teaching: 6 years

Hobbies/Interests: Time with friends, caring for animals, video games, making art, music, reading, and being outside

What do you enjoy most about teaching? My favorite thing about teaching is getting to know my students and helping to build their confidence. I love getting to see my students’ learning…they impress me every day!

What do you find most challenging about teaching? Time! Every time I cross something off my to-do list, another item appears…

Best tip for new teachers: Don’t be afraid to apologize and re-teach if you feel like something didn’t go well. Students will understand! Also, save every happy note students give you. They mean so much.

Best tip for career teachers: Keep your curriculum fresh!

Favorite piece of advice for students: Be kind, work hard, and know your truth.

What being a Gold Star Teacher means to you: I am honored to be a Gold Star Teacher. It means the world to me to have been nominated by my students. I am so lucky to work with great people in a great school every day!