Position: First Grade Teacher
School: Bradley East Elementary School
School District: Bradley School District 61
City, State: Bradley, IL
Ashlynn Arseneau was nominated anonymously.
Ms. Arseneau creates a positive classroom environment by building strong, trusting relationships with each of her students. She makes it a priority to get to know every child as an individual—their interests, strengths, challenges, and learning styles—so she can connect with them on a personal level and create a space where they feel seen, heard, and valued. She strives to foster a warm, welcoming atmosphere where students feel safe to take risks, make mistakes, and grow.
Ms. Arseneau sets clear expectations and routines while also promoting kindness, respect, and empathy through daily interactions and classroom discussions. She meets each student's needs through differentiation, providing a variety of learning experiences and adapting instruction to support diverse learners. She ensures that every student has access to the tools and support they need to succeed.
Whether through small groups, hands-on activities, or individualized check-ins, her goal is to make learning engaging, inclusive, and empowering for everyone. Above all, she wants students to love coming to school each day, to feel that they belong, that they matter, and that they are capable of amazing things.
Ms. Arseneau is a proud Golden Apple Scholar and received the Golden Apple Scholarship during college, which provided her with extensive training, mentorship, and hands-on classroom experience focused on teaching in schools of need. Through this program, she developed a strong foundation in creating inclusive, relationship-driven learning environments. She gained valuable tools to support diverse learners academically and emotionally.
In addition to her formal education, she also coached youth cheerleading for six years, starting in high school and continuing all the way through college, right up until she accepted her first teaching position in 2023. Coaching gave her early experience working with children, helping them grow in confidence, teamwork, and perseverance. It taught her how to motivate and connect with young learners, manage group dynamics, and create a positive, energetic atmosphere—all of which she carries with her into the classroom today. Both experiences have shaped her approach to teaching and continue to fuel her passion for supporting students in every aspect of their growth.