Project Description
Christine Fleming, Fellow
Joe Shoemaker School
Denver, CO
A self-described courageous leader, Chris Fleming is the founding principal of Joe Shoemaker School in Denver, Colorado. Chris is committed to equity, joyful classrooms and belonging. She has spent the last eight years establishing an innovative school model focused on project-based learning and environmental education. Chris is most passionate about leading her staff in social justice and culturally responsive teaching. Serving for over fifteen years as a principal in urban elementary schools and as an executive coach to school leaders, Chris places high value on relationships and is an expert at building culture and community. As a long-time partner with EL Education, Chris has developed a unique perspective when it comes to expanding the definition of student achievement to include mastery of knowledge and skills, character and high quality work grounded in authentic projects of service to the local community. For example, at a recent school-wide celebration of learning, students could be found using their locally-gathered data and environmental analyses to teach others how to care for a local urban waterway. Chris has been recognized for her leadership achievements with the following honors: Aurora Public Schools’ Principal of the Year, Colorado Legacy Foundation’s Effective Educator Award and the Colorado Department of Education’s Center of Excellence Award for Parent Involvement. Hailing from Kansas City, Missouri, she received her Masters Degree in Educational Administration from Lindenwood College and a degree in Elementary Education from the University of Missouri - St. Louis. Chris loves exploring the Colorado outdoors and traveling any chance she gets.
Ashley Gilchrist, Ally
Mild-Moderate Special Education Teacher, Staffing Chair
Joe Shoemaker School
Denver, CO
Ashley Gilchrist currently serves as a mild / moderate special education teacher leader at Joe Shoemaker School. Ashley began her teaching career in Indianapolis, Indiana where she was a special education teacher for six years before moving to Denver, Colorado. During her career, Ashley has worked with students with mild and moderate disabilities with a strong passion for inclusion. Ashley currently serves as the Special Education Team Specialist where she leads the special education team to work collaboratively with general education teachers to develop and implement systems to support all students within their least restrictive environment. As a leader at Shoemaker, Ashley is committed to advocating for students with disabilities. Ashley is eager to build a school wide community amongst all students. One example of Ashley’s passion for inclusion and building a school wide community is when she co-founded school wide “families”. Students and staff across grade levels were placed into “families” where they would engage in ongoing challenges, initiatives and team building opportunities. Ashley was named an Armstrong Teacher Educator for the 2019-2020 school year where she was able to support the development of educator preparation programs. Ashley holds a B.S. from Indiana University in Elementary Education and Special Education. Ashley enjoys coaching, swimming and exploring all of the outdoor adventures Colorado has to offer.