The Texas Association of School Administrators announced today that Becker Elementary School teacher Allison Ashley has been chosen as the 2017 Texas Teacher of the Year.

Ashley was named 2017 Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year today and then selected from the two state-level winners (elementary and secondary) to represent Texas in the National Teacher of the Year program. 

"Ms. Ashley is an exceptional teacher. She is smart and caring, and when you are in her classroom, you can see the connection she has with students. Ms. Ashley brings passion and enthusiasm to her dual-language classrooms, and is an advocate for all youngsters," Superintendent Paul Cruz said.

"Everyone at Austin ISD is so proud of Ms. Ashley for being named Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year!"

Ashley was one of three finalists chosen from candidates throughout the state.

Each finalist was interviewed by a panel that included representatives from educational leadership associations, community and business leaders, a member of the State Board for Educator Certification, a member of the State Board of Education and prior Texas Teachers of the Year. 

Ashley was named AISD Teacher of the Year and Region 13 Elementary School Teacher of the Year this year. 

Ashley is in her 10th year of teaching, but her first at Becker Elementary School, where she teaches third-grade dual-language.

She taught for six years at Perez Elementary School and for several years in the Rio Grande Valley through Teach for America.