Ashley McGrath knew in kindergarten that she wanted to be a teacher. Her dream never wavered.
“As a freshman in high school, I wanted to confirm that teaching was the career I wanted to pursue, since I had never considered anything else,” Ashley said. “I asked my teacher if there was any way I could job shadow an elementary teacher.”
Although her high school didn’t offer formal career exploration programs, her teacher secured approval from the principal for Ashley to volunteer as a teacher’s aide for two hours each day.
“I fell in love with teaching because of that opportunity,” she said. “From then on, I was able to complete some of my high school classes early so I could continue volunteering in a variety of classrooms until I graduated.”
Ashley went on to earn her associate degree in Foundations of Teacher Education at 欧美一级片 before completing a Bachelor of Science in Education at Viterbo University. Today, she works as an Advanced Behavior Technician at the Wisconsin Early Autism Project, supporting children ages 3 to 5.
Ashley is one of many dedicated educators being recognized during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 5–9.
“To all the teachers and preservice teachers: thank you for inspiring minds, changing lives, and making the world a better place—one student at a time,” said Deb Brovick, Foundations of Teacher Education and Behavior Technician Instructor at Blackhawk.
Congress officially designated the first full week of May as Teacher Appreciation Week in 1985. Spearheaded by the National Education Association, the week includes Teacher Appreciation Day.
“Teacher Appreciation Week is a time to honor the people who shape future generations with every lesson, every word of encouragement, and every ounce of patience,” Deb said. “Teachers nurture students and help them see their potential—even when they can’t yet see it themselves.”
Like Ashley, Matt Dutra also started his journey to the classroom at Blackhawk.
“Becoming a teacher was my plan right out of high school,” said Matt, who now teaches four-year-old kindergarten at Mary McLeod Bethune Academy in Milwaukee.
After earning his associate degree in Early Childhood Education at Blackhawk, Matt transferred to the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater through the ECE4U program. The partnership allows students to complete a two-year degree at Blackhawk, then transfer seamlessly to UW-Whitewater to earn a dual teaching license in early childhood and special education through third grade.
For Matt, the most rewarding part of the job is seeing the growth in his students.
“What I find most interesting about working with young students is how fast they grow and develop across all developmental domains. A lot of changes happen to them over the course of a school year,” he said.
Blackhawk helped make his transition to a four-year degree seamless.
“The education provided at Blackhawk is second to none,” said Matt, who is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction at UW-Milwaukee. “Without the skills I learned at Blackhawk, I wouldn’t be in the position I am today.”
Students preparing for careers in early childhood education at Blackhawk are already making an impression—not just with their academic achievements, but with their passion for the profession, said Michelle Weirich, Blackhawk’s Early Childhood Education instructor.
“It is incredibly inspiring to watch our students step into the path of becoming educators,” Michelle said.. “They bring passion, creativity and a deep sense of purpose to their work. These students aren't just studying to become teachers—they’re preparing to become role models, nurturers, and advocates for the next generation.”
Visit blackhawk.edu/EarlyChildhood to learn more about our Early Childhood Education program. Visit blackhawk.edu/FTE to learn more about our Foundations of Teacher Education program.