Teacher of the Year Ashlie Crosson Discusses the Political Nature of Education

Ashlie Crosson, the recipient of the 2025 National Teacher of the Year award, expressed concerns about the intricate relationship between teaching and politics during her address at the annual National Education Association Representative Assembly meeting. She emphasized that the profession is profoundly influenced by political dynamics.

Reflecting on her journey, Crosson stated, “Who am I if I’m not teaching? What happens if I walk away? But then something shifted. While the world was spinning, my local was centering. They fought for COVID sick banks, one-to-one laptops, robust contact tracing, and the grace we all deserved as we navigated the unknown. For our members, they became the leaders we needed.”

Crosson, a high school English teacher from Pennsylvania, described how the support of her local union became her grounding force, shaping her understanding of the inherent political nature of education.

Awareness of Political Challenges

Attending her first statewide union event in January 2024 marked a significant turning point for Crosson. It was there that she first met NEA President Becky Pringle. In March, Crosson participated in the National Education Association National Leadership Summit in Detroit, which further opened her eyes to the political undercurrents affecting education.

During her speech, she conveyed the anxiety that many teachers feel regarding the future of education. The rapid changes and growing challenges make it difficult to predict the best path forward. Despite this uncertainty, Crosson expressed optimism about the collective strength of educators, declaring, “What we know is this, respect doesn’t begin with a soundbite or a promise. It begins with us, how we show up, how we raise our voices, and our refusal to accept anything less than what our students and colleagues deserve.”

The Role of the NEA

With a membership exceeding three million, the National Education Association is the largest teachers’ union in the United States. Crosson, who teaches at Mifflin County High School in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, spoke to thousands of delegates at their 2025 Representative Assembly in Portland, Oregon. Her insights resonated deeply within the assembly, which gathered educators to set the union’s agenda.

Crosson remarked on the evolution of her perspective as an educator, particularly in a rural setting. She recounted how the struggles faced by students during the pandemic, such as lack of internet access in rural areas, revealed systemic inequities in educational resources. “I stand for students like Jaden and Gavin and Luce, who needed a support system more than they needed a student handbook. I stand here for my sister Sydney, born in Vietnam and raised in Central Pennsylvania. In her 16 years of education, she never had a teacher who looked like her,” said Crosson.

Recognizing Excellence in Teaching

In May, Crosson was awarded the National Teacher of the Year by the Council of Chief State School Officers. This prestigious award aims to highlight exceptional educators across the country, recognizing their dedication and effective practices in the classroom. The program endeavors to engage award recipients in a year of professional learning while amplifying their voices in educational discourse.

The Importance of Advocacy

Crosson’s message at the assembly highlighted the pressing issues currently confronting public education. Educators are facing unprecedented challenges, with their profession often caught in the crosshairs of political debate. The themes addressed at the assembly underscored the need for solidarity among teachers during these tumultuous times.

The Council of Chief State School Officers, in a statement, clarified that Crosson’s views do not reflect the organization’s position. They stress that the National Teacher of the Year program is designed to bring awareness to the importance of excellence in teaching, free from political affiliations.

Crosson’s perspective not only sheds light on the essential role of educators but also sparks a dialogue on how intertwined educational practices and policies are with broader societal issues. Her appeal for more substantial support and respect from both society and policymakers encapsulates the collective voice of many educators who are navigating these challenging realities.

Looking Toward the Future

As the NEA continues to advocate for the rights and needs of educators, the messages shared at the 2025 Representative Assembly serve as a reminder of the critical role teachers play in shaping future generations. Crosson’s journey reflects the evolving landscape of education, where the call for improved resources, equitable support, and a political awakening among educators is more urgent than ever.

In this challenging environment, Crosson’s advocacy for her students and her commitment to the profession shine as a beacon of hope for educators across the nation. Her thoughts resonate not just within the walls of classrooms but also in the broader societal context, reminding everyone of the invaluable contributions teachers make to society.

The lessons learned during this pivotal moment in education will likely influence future initiatives and policies aimed at fostering a more equitable and supportive educational environment for all students, showcasing the indispensable role educators play in our communities.