Ashlie Crosson: Global Citizenship in the Classroom
Ashlie Crosson, an English teacher at Mifflin County High School in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, has been named the 2025 National Teacher of the Year by the Council of Chief State School Officers. A first-generation college graduate, Crosson returned to her hometown to inspire students just as her teachers had inspired her. She teaches Advanced Placement Language and Composition, English 10, and Survival Stories, an elective that examines global humanitarian crises through the perspectives of youth. Crosson also advises the school’s journalism program, overseeing the publication of the school newspaper and district magazine. Her commitment to fostering global citizenship is evident in her curriculum, which encourages students to engage with international issues and develop empathy. Crosson’s dedication to education and her students has earned her this prestigious national recognition. (Photo top left, Courtesy of CCSSO)
Dr. Reshma Saujani: Championing Women in Tech
Dr. Reshma Saujani is the founder of Girls Who Code, a nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology by empowering young women with coding skills and confidence. As an adjunct professor at New York University, Dr. Saujani combines academic insight with real-world activism. She is widely recognized for her dynamic media presence, including popular TED Talks and best-selling books such as Brave, Not Perfect. Dr. Saujani’s work emphasizes the importance of encouraging girls to take risks, embrace failure and pursue careers in STEM fields that have traditionally been dominated by men. Her advocacy has sparked a nationwide movement to diversify the tech industry, making her a vital voice in education and gender equality today. (Photo top right, Courtesy of Steven Ferdman/Getty Images)
Dr. Zaretta Hammond: Culturally Responsive Teaching
Dr. Zaretta Hammond is a nationally recognized education consultant and the author of Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain, a groundbreaking book that bridges neuroscience with equitable instructional practice. With over 20 years of experience in teaching and professional development, Dr. Hammond empowers educators to create comprehensive classrooms that foster academic achievement for all students—especially those from historically marginalized communities. Her work is a cornerstone in equity-driven teacher training across the country and is frequently referenced in national education conversations. Dr. Hammond’s approach helps schools shift from deficit thinking to asset-based teaching, where culture is a critical component of learning. Her voice continues to shape how educators address systemic bias and build more just learning environments. (Photo bottom left, Sarah Deragon/Portraits to the People)
Zora Elling: A 10-Year-Old Wonder Woman
Zora Elling, a 10-year-old from San Juan Capistrano, California, recently became the youngest graduate in Irvine Valley College history, earning an Associate in Science for Transfer in Mathematics. She surpassed her siblings, Athena and Tycho, who graduated from IVC at ages 11 and nearly 12. Enrolling in college at age nine through a dual-enrollment program, Elling pursued her love of math—not to break records, but to challenge herself intellectually. Her mother, Christina Chow, credits Elling’s success to her passion for learning and a supportive home environment. In addition to academics, Elling enjoys reading and caring for her pets. She plans to continue her education at the University of California, Irvine, majoring in mathematics. Elling’s accomplishment reflects both her drive and a family culture that encourages curiosity and achievement. Her story is a remarkable example of what’s possible when talent and opportunity align at an early age. (Photo bottom right, LEONARD ORTIZ/MEDIANEWS GROUP/ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER VIA GETTY IMAGES)
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