TAVARES – Ashley Ellixson was the first student to complete the four-year teacher preparatory program at the Tavares High School Teaching Academy when she graduated in 2021. Now, having earned her degree, she has returned to start her career as a kindergarten teacher at Astatula Elementary School.
The district’s Human Resources team surprised her Friday with a basket of gifts to help her transition into the new role with ease.
Ellixson represents the success of the Tavares High Teaching Academy, which launched in 2017-18 in partnership with the University of Central Florida. The goal was to help Lake County Schools develop our own teachers to meet the needs of our growing student population.
Through the academy, students complete an advanced, hands-on curriculum in preparation for a career in teaching. After high school, they may continue with their post-secondary education at UCF, complete internships in Lake schools and are guaranteed a job interview with the district, where they can start their career in education.
This year, the district will open a teaching academy at Eustis High School.
Ellixson was celebrated at a signing-day event in 2021 by Bonnie Watkins, the Career and Technical Education teacher who helped lead the program when it started. “We developed the program from an idea and a dream,” she said at the time. “Now we are seeing that dream being fulfilled through Ashley. We are going to support her every step of the way, and we look forward to the day when she returns to us.”
Monday is that day!
LCS Communications
