Shippensburg University alumna and Spanish teacher at Big Spring High School, Ashley Oldham, was named one of the top 12 finalists for Pennsylvania’s 2026 Teacher of the Year.
The recognition is personally significant for Oldham, who is in her 19th year of teaching at Big Spring. Not to mention, her husband, Adam Oldham, is also a Ship alumnus and works at Big Spring High School as a school counselor. Their three children also attend Big Spring schools, further exemplifying their dedication to the school district and their contributions to the greater community.
“Big Spring isn’t just where I work; it feels like home,” Oldham said. “Therefore, to have my dedication to the school and my love for what I do every day seen by others is so gratifying.”
Oldham shared that teaching has been her goal since she was five. Her interest in Spanish developed in ninth grade, when she began studying the language. At that time, she was already familiar with sign language, and she felt drawn to the opportunity to continue to learn how to communicate across different cultures and abilities.
At Shippensburg, Oldham studied Spanish and Education while also participating in several opportunities outside the classroom that prepared her for teaching. She tutored local high school students, completed an internship with the Migrant Worker Education program and served several years as president of the Spanish club on campus.
She credited the professors across both the Spanish and Education departments with helping her develop as an educator. Furthermore, her student teaching experience instilled her with the knowledge and tools needed to manage a classroom.
“The consistency allowed for me to thoroughly experience what it felt like to run a classroom, and I loved it!” said Oldham.
As a Spanish teacher, she encourages students to engage with the language both in and outside of class. In her Spanish III course, she has students wrap up the class by completing a project where they are asked to research a well-known Spanish speaker and learn about their life and then present their findings. Students use language skills developed throughout the year as part of the project.
“As a class, we laugh together, celebrate each other’s projects and close out the year on a high note,” Oldham said. “Students always go above and beyond the minimum requirements to show off their language abilities. How lucky am I!”
As for advice for current and soon-to-be educators, Oldham shared that effective teachers adapt to students’ needs, remain passionate about their subject and establish boundaries that help prevent burnout. She also emphasized the importance of facilitating an inclusive environment for students.
“Students are far more willing to take risks, work hard and rise to meet your expectations when they feel like they belong in your classroom,” stated Oldham.
For Oldham, being named a finalist reaffirmed the impact of her role as a teacher and throughout the Big Spring community.
“The honor of being named a Pennsylvania Finalist for Teacher of the Year has reminded me that what I do matters to so many, and I’m eternally thankful for that!” she emphasized.
To learn more about the programs available within the Department of Global Languages & Cultures, including the Spanish B.A. and minor programs, visit here: https://www.ship.edu/academics/cas/global-languages/
Learn more about programs offered in the Teacher Education Department: https://www.ship.edu/academics/coehs/teacher/
