Lineage and legacy are the words that come to mind when you hear Ashlynn Myers’ story and learn what inspired her to pursue a career in teaching.
“Most of my family members have taught students from early childhood through secondary education. My mother, my aunt, and my cousin were my biggest inspirations for becoming a teacher. My mother and aunt even taught together before my cousin and I were born,” shared Mrs. Myers, who has been teaching first grade at Cottage Hill Christian Academy for the past five years. “I also had the honor of having my mother as one of my teachers. I remember growing up wanting to be just like her and my aunt, and being excited about the day I would decorate my own classroom.”
Mrs. Myers is deeply rooted in the Cottage Hill community, which made her decision to teach at CHCA after graduating from the University of Mobile in 2021 an easy one. In fact, her husband, Zachary, is also a graduate of CHCA, class of 2016. He, too, is an educator, currently teaching third grade in Mobile County Public Schools.
“I am incredibly thankful my husband is a teacher,” she shared. “In our profession, it is very easy to become overloaded and distracted by endless to-do lists, sticky notes, meetings, and responsibilities. We do our best to leave work at work, but it is comforting to know he understands my schedule and the demands of the job.”
The excitement and energy first-grade students bring to learning fuels Mrs. Myers’ passion for teaching this age group. She incorporates a variety of resources and teaching styles to meet the needs of her students.
“My number one goal is to gain students’ attention and engagement from the very start,” she explained. “I use the ‘I Do, We Do, You Do’ approach when teaching lessons. I also incorporate technology, songs, read-alouds, manipulatives, and visual aids because not all students learn in the same way.”
Mrs. Myers’ ultimate goal is for her students to grow—not only educationally, but spiritually as well. She hopes every child who leaves her classroom knows they are worthy, valued, and deeply loved, because they are created in God’s image.
“I never want my students to feel like they are not good enough or smart enough,” she said. “I make a point to tell each student what I love about them and how they bring joy to my classroom. Every year, I want my students to know that if they do their best, their best is enough. I teach them the saying, ‘Good, better, best—you never let it rest until your good is better and your better is best.’”
Ashlynn Myers graduated from the University of Mobile with a double major. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. She plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology. She and her husband, Zachary, married in 2024. They love to spend time together with their friends and family, attend South Coach Church and travel as time allows. They have a goal to visit as many states as they possibly can!
