LEWISTOWN — Ashlie Crosson has spent the past five years as an English teacher at Mifflin County High School, creating lifelong learning experiences that prepare her students to navigate the complexities of a global society.

A 2007 graduate of Lewistown Area High School, Crosson is a product of the Mifflin County School District. She returned in August 2020 to the Juniata River Valley and has been a dedicated member of the Mifflin County High School faculty where she teaches Advanced Placement Language and Composition, English 10, Journalism and Survival Stories, an elective that approaches global humanitarian crises from a youth perspective.

She also advises the journalism program, which publishes the school newspaper, “The Tyrian,” and district-wide magazine, “The Pawprint.”

Following her selection as the 2024 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year, Crosson was among 57 top educators, each representing their respective states and American territories, considered for the prestigious 2025 National Teacher of the Year Award.

On Tuesday morning, Crosson was announced as the recipient of an extraordinary honor as the 2025 National Teacher of the Year, recognizing her excellence in education on a national level.

The award is through the Council of Chief State School Officers’ Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year Program.

“I’m so honored to hold this role for the next year. This is such an incredible opportunity to share our school and our students with the country and be a voice for education. I’m so grateful for my students and colleagues who have been a part of this journey,” Crosson said. “They’re the reason I go to work each day, the reason I teach, and the reason this is happening.”

Beginning this summer, Crosson will spend the next year serving as a national ambassador for educators and students, using her platform to advocate for excellence in teaching and to share her insights with audiences across the country.

“I will be traveling around the country to share our community with our nation’s schools and teachers and to be an advocate for education and for students,” she said.

Superintendent of Schools Vance Varner touted Crosson’s work at the Mifflin County School District.

“Her remarkable achievement is a testament to the caliber of educators within our schools,” Varner said in a press release.

The National Teacher of the Year is the most prestigious teacher recognition program in the country. Released from classroom duties for the year, the educator — in this case Crosson — works full-time to shine a light on the vital role of teachers from around the country.

Crosson will speak at more than 150 events each year, crossing the country to share wisdom, advocate for students, elevate issues teachers face and inspire others to join the profession.

In a release from the program, Crosson said believes in building a strong curriculum that develops communication skills, empowers students to solve problems and expands their worldview.

Crosson received her master’s degree in educational leadership from Penn State University and a gifted endorsement from Millersville University. In 2018, she became a Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms fellow.

She said receiving that fellowship transformed her pedagogy, helping her to reframe curricula around competencies that empower students’ voices.

As a first-generation college student, Crosson discovered that her teachers and counselors were instrumental to her success. She said their support inspired her to become an educator, so she could share with another generation what had been given to her.

Crosson has expanded opportunities for her colleagues and students by launching “MC Goes Global,” an international travel program designed to enhance student learning opportunities.

In Crosson’s classroom, her students can be found researching the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and building websites as often as they are reading novels and writing papers.

Crosson said she strives to create learning experiences that resonate with her students, foster empathy and build critical-thinking skills.

By advising the journalism program, Crosson has positively influenced her students’ academic and career opportunities.

Many students in the program have found success beyond high school, serving as editors for college media, interns at television stations and writers for newspapers, including The Sentinel.

“She always goes above and beyond for her students. She doesn’t just invest in their education; she invests in their successes far beyond the classroom. She is an inspiration, and I was incredibly lucky to have her not only as an educator but a role model,” said Rainie Miner, a 2023 Mifflin County High School graduate.

Mina Phillips, a 2024 MCHS graduate agreed, “Miss Crosson always went above and beyond to ensure that I — along with every other student she has ever had — has every opportunity possible to become not only the best student but also the best person they can be. She has a way of pushing someone out of their comfort zone little by little while making them feel confident and comfortable at the same time. She always puts the needs of her students and community above her own and she is truly one of a kind.”

Crosson is looking forward to spending a year representing educators and serving as an ambassador for the teaching profession.

In its release, the Council of Chief State School Officers said it was pleased to honor and celebrate the selection of Crosson as its 2025 National Teacher of the Year.

And so is Mifflin County.