Ashtyn Berry is a 5th grade Extended Reach ELA teacher in Cabarrus County, where she has taught since 2017. She began her teaching career in 2013 as a second-grade teacher in Lincoln County. Over the years, her love for teaching has only grown stronger. She loves her job and her students and finds purpose in the daily impact of her work. Teaching gives her the opportunity to inspire young minds and shape futures–an important responsibility she reminds herself of each day she walks into the classroom.
Ashtyn’s teaching is grounded in research-based and trauma-informed practices. She works intentionally to create learning spaces that are inclusive and rooted in respect for students’ experiences both inside and outside of school. She believes that students are most successful at school when they feel valued, safe, and supported.
Because many of Ashtyn’s students speak multiple languages, she has the privilege of co-teaching alongside her school’s incredible multilingual learner teacher, a partnership she deeply values. Together, they work to create a classroom where students feel supported and confident using their voices as readers, writers, and thinkers.
Beyond her own classroom, Ashtyn serves as a Lead Mentor, a role that brings her a great deal of joy. Supporting beginning teachers is one of her favorite parts of her work. She loves learning alongside new educators, cheering them on, and helping build their confidence. To her, mentorship isn’t just about guidance. It's about building and sustaining a community of trust, friendship, and care.
Ashtyn loves North Carolina’s local public schools! Over the years, she’s become more interested in education policy. She enjoyed being part of the North Carolina Education Policy Fellowship’s 2022-2023 cohort and is especially passionate about the School Meals for All NC initiative.
Ashtyn has been recognized for her dedication to students and public education. She is the 2022 Burroughs Wellcome Fund Southwest Region Teacher of the Year, a 2022 North Carolina Teacher of the Year Finalist, and the 2021 Cabarrus County Schools Teacher of the Year. She views these honors as a reflection of the students, colleagues, and community she is proud to serve.
A graduate of Appalachian State University, Ashtyn earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 2013 and her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction in 2021. Over the years, she has served Cabarrus County Schools in many roles, including Mentor Teacher, Teacher Liaison to the School Board, District Curriculum Writer, District Curriculum Writing Facilitator, and Professional Development Facilitator.
At the end of the day, Ashtyn is a teacher who loves her students, public education, and her community. She is grateful to do this work alongside passionate educators and incredible children every day, and she wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
Originally Published October 2020
Revised February 9, 2026
