Professor Julie Ashworth
Assistant Professor of Education
B.A. Augustana College
M.A. Augustana College
Ed. D. University of South Dakota (in progress)

Please share a little about your past. Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Woonsocket, a delightful small town in South Dakota. I had a remarkable K-12 education. Education was a top priority in our home. I was one of eight children and we graduated from eight different colleges! This is probably one of the reasons I became a teacher.

How did life's path lead you to Augustana? Why do you stay?
I came to Augustana as an undergraduate for the Deaf Education and Elementary Education programs. Augustana College had the reputation for being one of the best education schools in the Midwest and continues to be held in high regard regionally and nationally. I returned to Augustana for my Masters in Education with an emphasis in math, science and technology. Although I loved being a classroom teacher, it became clear to me that for real educational reform to take place, it needs to happen at the higher education level where we prepare teachers. I felt called to prepare future teachers in different and better ways, so here I am - doing vitally important work.

What type of reform do you mean?
Our future teachers need dispositional skills and methods that will meet the needs of diverse classrooms. They need to learn how they can make school irresistible for every student and how to differentiate their classroom instruction. Most of them were taught from a lecture-based model; however, research shows us that students need hands-on, minds-on activities and experiences for episodic and life long learning to occur. They also need an understanding of the politics of school systems and the national political impact on this profession. Our colleges of education must model, demonstrate and engage students in these complex areas of teaching and learning.

Why should a student study education at Augustana? What's different about our program?
There are many "Augie Advantages" in choosing our education program. All of the professors have extensive and diverse K-12 school backgrounds and are involved in ongoing relationships in the local schools. Another asset is the close relationships developed between faculty and students. Our students have practicum experiences beginning with their initial education class and continuing for the majority of their semesters. Sioux Falls schools have tremendous diversity (students who speak more than 30 different languages). We have an after school literacy program, Augie Reads, that serves children from area schools that are learning English, so this is another opportunity for them to gain valuable experience working with diverse students and families. We offer our students a variety of learning experiences.

Tell us about the "Circle of Courage" that Augustana's education program is based on.
Our program's conceptual framework, the Circle of Courage, is based on a model of youth empowerment supported by contemporary research, the heritage of early youth work pioneers, and Native American philosophies of child care. There are four overarching values embodied in the Circle of Courage. These four shared values include belonging, mastery, independence and generosity. The central theme of this model is that a set of shared values must exist in a community of learners. The mission of the Education Department is to empower its students to create learning environments that ensure belonging, mastery, independence and generosity. It is a powerful belief system that prepares our students so they can create learning environments that welcome and affirm all students.

Is a liberal arts education important for future teachers?
A liberal arts education is essential for future teachers as they are exposed to diverse thought and challenged throughout all their course work to become critical thinkers. Teachers need this rich background and exposure to discourse.

How about study abroad?
Traveling to other cultures is also crucial as our communities are becoming more and more diverse. Traveling abroad is a transformational experience that broadens your own perspective as you experience diverse landscapes, architecture, environments, religions and philosophies. This will enhance their ability to teach in more diverse settings.

Have you taught or studied in another county?
I have had the opportunity to supervise Augustana student teachers in Lima, Peru and Tanzania, Africa. Both of these experiences were life changing for both the students and myself.

What is your favorite class to teach at Augustana?
I love all of my classes at Augustana for different reasons. I especially enjoy teaching Generic Methods in Education as I have every K-12, Special Education, and Deaf Education major in this class and I want to have the opportunity to work with every education major!

Do you interact with students outside the classroom?
All the time! My favorite part of my work at Augie is the relationships I have with students. I host many of the education activities in my home and invite students for holiday meals with my family. I love attending most of the music events and any sports events that my students are involved in. We have had several education majors live with us during the summer months and spend time in our home on a regular basis to assist with our son, Chris, who has autism.

Do you have any current research interests?
I am currently completing my doctoral course work and am working on my dissertation. I am committed to researching how we can better meet the needs of Native American students in our state.

How would you describe Augustana's student body?
Augustana students are bright, altruistic, and committed to making a difference with their lives.

And the professors?
The professors are also bright, altruistic, and committed to making a difference in the lives of their students.

What are some of your interests away from work?
My husband and I love to travel. We have been to New Zealand, Costa Rice, Fiji, the Yasawa Islands off the coast of Fiji, Europe, Africa, Peru, and the majority of the U.S. I love to read both fiction and non-fiction and visit Barnes and Noble on a regular basis. I collect children's books. I am also in my 28th year as the children's choir director at Asbury Methodist Church.

Do you have a favorite meal at the Huddle or Commons?
I love to have a grilled cheese sandwich, fries, and a hot chai at the Huddle. I have never met a peanut M&M I didn't like!

Are there any things you've accomplished that you'd like to share with us?
I was awarded Sioux Falls Teacher of the Year, then had the distinction of becoming SD Teacher of the Year in 1994 which opened up a plethora of opportunities and experiences that enriched my professional and personal life. I served on the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in Washington D.C. for six years. These incredible experiences enable me to share both my knowledge and passion for the teaching profession.

What one piece of advice do you give prospective students when you meet with them?
When I meet with potential students I tell them they will know when they are at the college that is right for them. Of course, I hope it is Augustana! I also tell them to invest time and energy in their decision as this is a decision that will mold the rest of their lives.

What advice do you give your advisees at Augustana?
Life is not a race... it is a spiritual journey to enjoy. Travel when you have the opportunity, laugh everyday, and live with passion.

What is the best thing about being a part of the Augustana community?
I taught in the public school system for 25 years so it is a gift to be able to talk openly about my faith journey and to be able to worship with my colleagues and our students on campus any day I choose.