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By Josiah Carrasco
Ashley Osborne, Midland ISD’s Associate Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, is set to make a significant impact on the national stage as she steps into a leadership role with the National Center for Grow Your Own (NCGYO). Named as a Senior Partner for the NCGYO, Osborne will leave her current position in October 2024, continuing her mission to develop educator pipelines and address teacher shortages across the country.
Osborne’s tenure at MISD, which began in January 2023, has been marked by swift and impressive improvements, particularly in literacy and professional learning. A key highlight of her work has been the implementation of a K-2 phonics-based curriculum, which has already shown promising results, with 60% of students in grades K-2 demonstrating reading improvements—a 4% increase from the previous year. Gains were especially notable among kindergarten and first-grade students.
In addition to her focus on literacy, Osborne has made strides in improving advanced academics, expanding pre-k opportunities, and cultivating district-wide professional learning. Under her leadership, the district added 629 pre-k seats for the 2024-2025 school year, bringing the total to 1,405. Furthermore, MISD saw three National Merit Semifinalists in 2024—the first time since 2019—and awarded over 16,000 professional learning credits to educators during summer and back-to-school sessions.
MISD Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Howard expressed her admiration for Osborne’s work, emphasizing the transformative effect Osborne has had on the district. “I am so proud of Ashley,” Howard said. “She built the talent team from scratch prior to returning to Midland ISD, and she has established this work here in a short time. I am not surprised that she has been tapped to lead this work at the national level. Ashley has invested deeply in our work here at MISD since she began.”
Osborne began her career at MISD in 2006 as a biology teacher at Lee High School, later discovering her passion for developing teacher and school leadership pipelines. She played a crucial role in bringing the Registered Apprenticeship program to MISD in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor, making MISD one of only four districts in Texas with this designation.
Dr. Howard praised Osborne’s leadership in spearheading multiple initiatives, including the reorganization of the district’s Teaching and Learning department and the implementation of a K-8 ELAR curriculum. “We are better because of Ashley’s work and leadership,” Howard added. “While I am sad to see her go, I am so proud of her and excited for the opportunities she will have to impact even more students and teachers across the country.”
Osborne’s new role at NCGYO will allow her to continue this vital work on a national scale.
The NCGYO, a non-profit organization, partners with state and local education agencies to launch "Grow Your Own" (GYO) programs aimed at addressing teacher shortages, reducing financial barriers for aspiring educators, and increasing educator diversity. Osborne’s leadership will be instrumental in guiding school districts and educator preparation providers in the creation and expansion of these programs.
“I am thrilled to continue my work in advancing teacher and leader pipelines as I join the National Center for Grow Your Own (NCGYO) as a Senior Partner,” Osborne said in a statement. “NCGYO’s mission to address educator shortages, remove financial barriers for aspiring teachers, and increase educator diversity aligns perfectly with my passion for strengthening the education workforce.”
Osborne expressed her eagerness to collaborate with educational agencies and preparation programs to build sustainable, long-term solutions for the teaching profession. “NCGYO’s innovative approach, including their work with the U.S. Department of Labor, ensures that we are building sustainable solutions for the profession. I look forward to contributing to the success of future educators across the nation.”
As Osborne transitions out of her role at MISD, the district has already laid out plans to ensure continuity in its educational strategies. The Teaching and Learning and School Improvement departments will be merged, with Associate Superintendent of School Improvement Erin Bueno stepping in to oversee the combined responsibilities. Howard expressed confidence in Bueno’s ability to lead this effort, stating, “Ms. Bueno will transition into this role seamlessly.”
With Osborne moving on to the national level, MISD remains committed to building upon the progress made under her leadership. As for Osborne, her focus remains on advancing teacher development and school leadership at a time when the nation’s education system faces significant staffing challenges.
Interviews with Dr. Howard and Mrs. Osborne will be available today, September 18, from 1:30-2:00 p.m.
Based on a press release by MISD
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