Ashleigh Reed

CalTeach BS in Mathematics/Teaching Credential, 2016
School of Education

October 1, 2015

Named Distinguished Anteater, Honored by SchoolsFirst FCU

Ashleigh Reed is entering her fourth and final year as an undergraduate student, working toward her BS in Mathematics with a Concentration in Education. She has been awarded the Distinguished Anteater Award and received the SchoolsFirst Credit Union Award.

During the 2015-2016 school year, Ashleigh will complete math classes needed for her degree, and student teach at a nearby high school to earn her teaching credential through the Cal Teach Program at UCI.

Ashleigh’s love for helping others learn began at an early age.

Even in kindergarten, I would accompany my mother, now a teacher of special education, to her after-school program and help other students understand challenging topics.

While growing up in Brentwood in the East Bay Area, Ashleigh played volleyball, contributed to the leadership programs in her middle and high schools, and served at Golden Hills Community Church.

Knowing that God had built me to become a teacher, I began applying to universities my senior year at Heritage High School, seeking degrees in math or English. After praying about the decision and hearing about the Cal Teach Program, in which math or science students may obtain a teaching credential in addition to their degree in just four years, I knew that UCI was the best fit for me.

During the past three years at UC Irvine, Ashleigh has played club volleyball, worked as a Resident Advisor in the freshman dorms, participated in mission trips to South Africa and Costa Rica, served as a youth leader at the Village Church of Irvine, observed and taught in many classrooms, and made lifelong friends. She plans to complete her last year at UC Irvine, travel to Europe, and eventually teach at a high-needs school.

Ashleigh attributes all of her accomplishments and successes to God, and is very thankful for His guidance, strength, and encouragement throughout her journey to becoming the best teacher she can be. Her favorite quote is “Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand” (Isaiah 64:8).

In reflection of her time at UCI, Ashleigh comments:

The process of earning my math degree and becoming a teacher has been very challenging at   times, and it has required a lot of hard work and sacrifice. However, with God leading me and providing a way for me to succeed, and with the support of my family and many good friends, I have always known it was possible for me to achieve my dream.

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