Being a teacher, mother has plenty of rewards
Elm Street firstgrade teacher Ashley Greenway enjoys having her son at her school.
As far as Mother’s Day gifts go, a 3-D printed picture frame strays from the norm when it comes to recognizing mom on her special day. But having a son at Elm Street Elementary School has its perks.
Elm Street Elementary first-grade teacher Ashley Greenway’s son Ben Greenway, who is a first-grader at the school but not in his mom’s class, used one of the school’s 3-D printers to make the frame — which now holds a picture of him and has “Love Ben” printed on the outside.
“I think I’m really fortunate to work at Elm Street,” she said, adding that the school feels like one big family.
But at times, Ben Greenway offers a little appreciation for his mother even when it’s not her dedicated holiday, like writing out love notes that he’ll leave on her desk during the school day. The notes come in handy during particularly challenging times when Ashley Greenway said she just needs a pick-me-up.
She has been at Elm Street for 10 years, and during that time has given birth to all three of her children, including 4-year-old Emma and 17-month-old Kate Greenway.
Since her son has been at the same school as her since pre-K, which is something she said she loves, it’s given Ashley Greenway a broader perspective on teaching, as he gives her feedback that she in turns brings back into the classroom.
“I strive to be the teacher I would want for my own children,” she said.
Because Elm Street is a STEM-certified school — where students can engage their creativity in makerspaces or work through starting their own business, such as the first-graders Sugar Kids Beauty that she founded
— Ashley Greenway said there are plenty of ideas for hands-on activities to bring home for her own kids. Both as a teacher and mother, the STEM related lessons or experiments empowers her to be a co-learner with her students as well as her own kids.
“I really enjoy watching my kids interact with each other,” she said.
Ashley Greenway said every mother struggles with patience, but being a teacher has helped her put things in perspective, allowing her to enjoy each small moment with her students and children.
“Being a mother is my greatest accomplishment,” she said. “It inspires me to be better every day.”
With plans for her two daughters to attend Elm Street too, Ashley Greenway can only look forward to the future Mother’s Day gifts molded by a 3-D printer.