Each year, the #SpanningtheNeed will present an “Inspirational Person of the Week, Education Edition’ during Teacher Appreciation Week and have a “Q & A” with one of its many gifted teachers who are willing to go out of their own way to help others. This week’s featured as apart of our Teacher Appreciation Week is Ashley Kermec from Girard City Schools. | Nominate someone now.
This individual has a special place for a lot of individuals in the Girard Community. This was said about one member of the community.
“Ms. Ashley Kermec is a dedicated teacher and passionate drama director. She creates a vibrant and inclusive environment in her classroom and in her drama club. She believes that every student has a unique voice and she fosters an atmosphere where everyone feels valued and accepted. Ms. Kermec encourages her students to step out of their comfort zones, helping them build confidence and discover their self-worth. By respecting each individual’s talents and perspectives, she inspires her students not only to shine on stage but also to embrace their identities and contributions in the real world. She has created a “home away from home” for students who may sometimes struggle with finding their place in the school environment. For that and many other reasons, we believe she should be honored.”
Name: Ashley Kermec
Position: 8th Grade ELA Teacher and 7-12 Drama Director
School District: Girard City Schools
Bio:
Ashley is a proud alumna of Girard High School, Class of 2007. That same year, she was diagnosed with lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease. Doctors at the Cleveland Clinic gave her a grim prognosis, estimating she had only a few months to live. Determined to defy the odds, Ashley set her sights on college and never looked back.
Her experience battling lupus during high school not only deepened her appreciation for her teachers but also solidified her dream of becoming one herself. She went on to earn her degree in Middle Childhood Education from Youngstown State University, with concentrations in English Language Arts and Math. Her academic journey wasn’t easy—especially during her student teaching at Campbell Middle School, when she was also diagnosed with lupus nephritis, a kidney complication related to her disease. Fortunately, she was able to get it under control and began her teaching career soon after.
Ashley joined Girard City Schools in 2011, where she began teaching 8th grade English Language Arts—a role she still holds today. That same year, she introduced the school’s first celebration of World Lupus Day, a tradition that continues annually to raise awareness and funds for the Lupus Foundation Greater Ohio Chapter. Each year, the junior high graphic design class creates and sells t-shirts to support the cause.
In 2012, Ashley returned to YSU, earning her Master of Arts in English and a Graduate Certificate in Literature for Children and Young Adults in 2014. In 2024, she furthered her education by earning a Master of Education in Instructional Design from Western Governors University.
In 2013, Ashley took on the role of drama club director, despite having no prior experience. Since then, she has directed 23 productions and has watched the program grow into a vibrant, creative, and inclusive space for all students. Her passion for teaching and dedication to her students continues to inspire and leave a lasting impact on the Girard school community.
What made you want to go into the education field?
I wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. It was something I was always interested in and there were a few amazing teachers along the way in my K-12 career that solidified that decision.
What’s the biggest factor that has helped you be successful in education?
I honestly think having a great administrator and being able to work with a knowledgeable and helpful team of teachers has been the biggest factor in helping me become successful in my position. Without their support, I would not be the teacher I am today.
What is the biggest professional mistake you made along the way?
I think everyone makes mistakes along the way, I cannot pinpoint just one. Making mistakes is how we learn and grow as professionals and human beings. Every mistake I have made has made me a better teacher and helped me to better relate to and connect with my students.
What is the best advice you can give future educators or the public?
Be patient and build relationships with your students. Many are seeking guidance in addition to an education.
If you could start all over again, what would you do differently regarding your profession?
I honestly do not think I would do anything different at this point. Everything I have done thus far has led me to where I am today.
What song best describes you or is the soundtrack to your life?
I don’t really have a song that describes me or that is the soundtrack to my life, but I do have a song that has really helped me through the tough times and I resonated with a lot when I was going through my initial diagnosis. That song is “Swim” by Jack’s Mannequin. I actually have the lyrics from that song, “I swim for brighter days despite the absence of sun” tattooed on my arm.
What is your best accomplishment/experience in life?
One of the best accomplishments of my life has been building the community/family that is the current Girard Drama Club. Our group has grown so much over the past twelve years and I truly believe it is a place where all students feel safe, comfortable, and like they found somewhere they belong. I love that students with different beliefs, interests, friends, and ability levels can come together and work as a team and develop relationships with other students they normally wouldn’t get a chance to get to know.
Who is your role model and why?
My role model is my Bubba (grandma). She was one of the greatest women I’ve ever known in my life. She loved and took care of her family to no end. Bubba always had a smile on her face and never had an unkind word to say about anyone. She instilled in me the importance of family and taking care of others with patience and grace.
If there was one person that you would like to meet, past or present, who would it be and why?
This is probably strange, but I’d like to meet Steven Tyler from Aerosmith. I have loved Aerosmith since I was four years old and their album ‘Get a Grip’ came out. I even wanted to be him for Halloween when I was little but my mom wouldn’t let me. I am a huge music fan and Aerosmith has brought loads of joy to my life throughout the years.
A favorite quote that you live by?
In a world where you can be anything, be kind.
