Rossmoor native wins Fountain Valley Teacher of the Year

Pictured, (L-R) Ashlock’s 93-year-old parents from Long Beach, Karen Ashlock, Nicole Ashlock Hunter, her husband Steve, her dad Darrell and Nicole’s two daughters, Mikayla (age 6) and Makenzie (age 3). Courtesy photo

A Rossmoor native was named Teacher of the Year by the Fountain Valley School District in an announcement that surprised the former Los Alamitos High School graduate.

“I was surprised and so honored,” said Nicole (Ashlock) Hunter, 2nd grade teacher at Tamura Elementary School, after being named the Fountain Valley School District’s 2019 Teacher of the Year!

Mrs. Hunter joined the FVSD family in 2004 as a 1st grade teacher at Fred Moiola Elementary School. In 2012, she moved to Tamura Elementary School where she has taught 1st and 2nd grade.  It has been apparent from the start that teaching is a calling for Nicole, according to her mom Karen Ashlock.

Hunter was selected Teacher of the Year among the school’s 275 teachers, Mrs. Ashlock said.

She embraces each day with enthusiasm and energy that is infectious for those around her, students and staff alike and exemplifies the virtues of an outstanding teacher. She is patient, compassionate, ambitious, engaging, flexible, and, of course, humorous and committed to her students. She uses a variety of instructional strategies to reach her students, holding high standards and pushing them to their potential and beyond.

In addition to being an exemplary teacher, Mrs. Hunter is a dedicated teacher-leader. Nicole is an integral part of the Tamura staff and an active member of the Leadership Team. She brings the same energy and excitement to her grade level, staff and leadership team meetings as she does to her students in her class. Nicole is willing to learn and take risks and is eager to implement initiatives that support the success of ALL students including PBIS, CGI, and Balanced Literacy.

Hunter’s love of her students, passion for teaching, commitment to professional development, and desire to make a difference in the lives of children make her the perfect recipient for Fountain Valley School District’s 2019 Teacher of the Year

Hunter who grew up in Rossmoor, attended Los Alamitos Schools (Hopkinson, McAuliffe, Los Al High), and graduated in 1999.  She went on to earn a BA from Pepperdine University and a master’s degree from National University.

Courtesy photo: