Panthers of ISKL #229: Dawn Ashby – The Math/Science Educator

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Panthers of ISKL Dawn Ashby

“I have one of the best jobs at this school! In MS math and science, we strive to have hands-on experiences to understand math and science concepts that translate into fun, challenging, and, most importantly, thought-provoking conversations and learning.”

Meet Dawn Ashby, an MS Math and Science teacher from Vancouver, Canada. Dawn and her family joined the ISKL community in 2016 after teaching in Nairobi, Ethiopia, Africa. She loves swimming and running in her leisure time and occasionally participates in 5k and 10k races around the city.

Here is Dawn’s story:


 

Please tell us more about yourself.

I am Canadian and was lucky enough to grow up in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It is a beautiful city with the sea and mountains visible from the city’s downtown.

My mom was a talented racquet competitor, a badminton champion, a squash professional, and a tennis enthusiast in the summertime. Our family, therefore, was very active in racquet sports as well as team sports such as soccer (football) and basketball. Vancouver was a great place to be outdoors, so hikes, running, biking, and skiing were other ways to enjoy the outdoors.

After getting my master’s degree in Iowa, USA, my first international teaching job was in Ethiopia. I promised my mom I would only go for two years, but I stayed for 16! I fell in love with the country, people, and school and met my husband. Our son Julian was born there, and it was an exceptional place to raise a child. I will be forever grateful for the nurturing, relationship-centered culture I experienced there.

When and why did you join ISKL?

We joined ISKL 8 years ago. We were all ready for a change and were looking for a school to challenge us to step up our game. We found it!

Can you tell us more about your position as an MS Math and Science teacher? What are your daily activities?

I have one of the best jobs at this school! In MS math and science, we strive to have hands-on experiences to understand math and science concepts. That translates into fun, challenging, and, most importantly, thought-provoking conversations and learning. Some examples would be mixing drinks in math class (cordial and water), putting water balloons over flames, running up and down stairs, and dissecting fish!

Dawn with her students

Can you tell us something you are working on now that you are excited about?

We are very excited about our newest year-long unit, which is focused on sustainability and statistics.

What is the most enjoyable and most challenging part of your job?

My students!

Can you tell us more about your hobbies and interests? What do you do after work?

I love to swim every Tuesday and Thursday morning before school to keep in shape. I like to go for runs and enjoy participating in 5k and 10k races every once in a while around the city. My newest challenge is to get back into playing tennis after retiring when I was ten.

Dawn with her family

Who or what inspires you?

My students inspire me. Athletes and the Olympics inspire me. My son inspires me.

What is your best memory (or most memorable moment) so far working at ISKL?

Every single Malaysia Week I have been on has been extremely memorable!

What does “Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world” mean to you?

It means taking a deep breath, trusting your gut feelings, taking chances, making mistakes, being kind and patient with others, and respecting all life.


 

Do you know of any student, teacher, parent, or staff who always have an anecdote to tell, love to share some insights into their passions and interest, or simply is a Panther through and through? Nominate them to be featured in our Panthers of ISKL stories by sending in your submissions here.

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