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Some of Ashley Kim’s greatest inspirations and biggest cheerleaders were her teachers while growing up in nearby Longmont, Colorado. It was those teachers who continued to welcome her back into the classroom, encouraged her, and inspired her desire to do the same for new generations of students.

“Throughout the program, Ashley has designed innovative curricular materials and has been able to use them in her practicum and student teaching placements,” her faculty nominator said.

Kim’s mentors believe that her innovation and her dedication to always looking to improve by engaging faculty and course content is just the start of why they believe her to be an excellent recipient of the 2025 Outstanding Undergraduate Contribution to Teaching Award.

Proud to honor the hopes of her grandparents who moved to the United States to give their descendants the opportunity of education, Kim is thankful for the hard work of her family that came before her so she could achieve this dream.��

Kim hopes to take the teachers, mentors and friends she’s made in her time at the CU Boulder along with her as she ventures into the next chapter of her life, where she’ll be a new third grade teacher in the Jefferson County School District in Colorado.

In her own words:

Please tell us a bit about yourself?

��I am originally from New Jersey but grew up in Longmont, Colorado. My teachers in Longmont were some of my greatest inspirations and biggest cheerleaders. Even after I left their classrooms, my teachers always welcomed me back and continued to encourage me. I am SO forever grateful for them, and I ended up in the Elementary Education program because I want to be a cheerleader for new generations of students. CU Boulder's School of Education stood out because of its commitment to valuing all students, and I'm proud to be an (almost) graduate!"

What is one of the most significant lessons from your time at CU Boulder that you’ll carry with you into the next chapter of your life?

��Find your people and lean on them. I couldn't have done this year of student teaching without people to support me, both inside the classroom and back at home. CU has connected me with some truly amazing teachers, mentors and friends, and I hope to take them all with me into the next chapter!"

What does graduating from CU Boulder represent for you or your family/community?

��My grandparents moved to the United States so that their descendants could have the opportunity to seek an education. I am proud to honor their hopes by earning this degree, and I am so thankful for the hard work that came before me that helped me get here."��

What is your best piece of advice for incoming students?

��Make as much use of belonging to a college campus as you can! I definitely took dorm life, events, and amenities for granted, and now I know that I'm going to miss everything so much! There are so many cool opportunities for college students and at CU Boulder specifically–don't pass them up!"

What are your next steps after graduation?

��I am so excited to have a job for next year as a third grade teacher in Jeffco school district :)"