10/14/2026
Honoring Excellence in Education: Ashley Winters, another one of exceptional North Country teachers that won a $250 Amazon Gift Card to assist with her classroom.
In every vibrant community, there are a few special individuals whose life’s work serves as the quiet, steady foundation upon which the future is built. For the North Country, our educators are that bedrock. Littleton Chevrolet is deeply proud and honored to spotlight another one of our region’s truly amazing and dedicated educators: Ashley Winters, a gifted 5th Grade English and Language Arts (ELA) teacher at Lakeway Elementary School in Littleton.
For Ashley, teaching was never just a job possibility or a late-career pivot; it was a calling heard early in life. From a young age, she knew with absolute certainty that her purpose was to shape, mold and inspire young hearts and minds...providing a welcoming space for children looking to grow, learn and embrace positive change.
Her formal journey began at Plymouth State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. Driven by a deep commitment to literacy and student success, she continued her studies and earned her Master’s Degree as a K–12 Reading Specialist in 2013. Ashley put her training into practice right away, beginning her career in Manchester, NH at Gossler Park as a Title 1 Teacher from 2006 to 2011. Following her time in Manchester, she brought her talents to Whitefield Elementary School, where she spent ten wonderful years shaping young lives as a 4th-grade teacher.
Then, in 2021, new opportunities arose, leading Ashley to Lakeway Elementary in Littleton to teach 5th Grade ELA...a role she has embraced with pure passion and joy ever since.
Now in her 21st year in education, Ashley’s enthusiasm for her profession shines as brightly as it did on day one. When asked what she loves most about her career, her face lights up:
"I love my classroom, I love my fellow teachers and the community and I love the outreach. Our teachers are so supportive and that support flows directly into making a creative and wonderful environment for both students and faculty. The teamwork is off the charts. Everyone is looking out for each other. We communicate, we have fun and we laugh a lot."
That spirit of collaboration creates a ripple effect that touches every corner of her classroom. Speaking about her current group of 5th graders, Ashley shares with immense pride: "This has to be one of my favorite classes. My goal is to make my classroom and the school day feel safe and secure. I want my students to feel comfortable making mistakes because making mistakes encourages deeper research, learning and genuine excitement."
Ashley has intentionally designed her room to foster both academic growth and emotional comfort. Gone are the days of rigid, sterile rows; instead, her space offers cozy nooks for quiet connection. "The students love the comfy chairs and couches," she notes. "I’ve designed the space in a way that encourages incredible learning. The students arrive excited and happy to learn every single day."
Over two decades of teaching bring countless cherished memories, but a few moments stand out with crystal clarity. Ashley recalls the first day of school back in the day, when a student walked through her doorway, paused and took a deep, relaxed breath, remarking that the room "felt just like home." Creating that kind of environment yields immediate results. As another student once put it: "If 5th grade is like this...I am going to have a great year."
For Ashley, the long-term rewards are equally profound. Seeing former students grown up and thriving as adults brings a unique sense of fulfillment. "You look at them now and think, maybe I had a small part in helping them succeed," she reflects warmly.
Ashley is also quick to credit the leadership behind the scenes. She notes that the administration at Lakeway is simply "crushing it," extending a special thank you to Principal Mel Harkless and Assistant Principal Cheryl Louis for their tireless hard work in making the start of this school year so seamless and positive.
When asked what single change could most improve a student’s overall experience, Ashley’s insight reflects her deep practical experience: "I think if we could limit class sizes and have a teacher paired with a paraeducator or assistant in every room, it would dramatically enhance learning."
She speaks with deep affection for the kids themselves: "My students truly care. They want to build real, meaningful relationships with their classmates and teachers. They have hearts that genuinely care."
That care extends to the challenges her students face daily. When asked about her frustrations, Ashley points to broader societal habits that affect learning...specifically nutrition and rest. "It’s those conditional habits," she explains. "So much food today is processed. I make a point to provide healthy snacks in our room, and our food services team does a great job focusing on healthy eating and nutritional balance."
She also highlights the physical toll that fatigue takes on young learners. "Kids are tired in the morning. I often wish we could start the school day a little later. You never know what challenges a child is dealing with when they go home at night but when they’re exhausted, learning becomes a real struggle. A slightly later morning start would make a world of difference."
On the other hand, one policy Ashley wholeheartedly champions is Lakeway’s strict No Cell Phone Policy during the school day. Without the constant pull of screens and digital notifications, she notes, "The focus is real with no distractions."
As one of the featured educators in our Littleton Chevrolet Teacher Giveaway, Ashley was awarded a $250 Amazon Gift Card. When asked how she plans to use it, her response was instant and entirely focused on her students:
"Oh, I already have a cart filled with a ton of series books! There are 8 or 9 different series in there that the kids absolutely love and I can't wait to get them into the classroom."
Congratulations, Ashley, on an extraordinary 21-year career and counting! It was a true privilege getting to chat and know you, hearing your story, and witnessing your unmatched passion for education. You and your fellow teachers are true hometown heroes who inspire us every day.
From all of us at Littleton Chevrolet, thank you for everything you do for our children and community and thank you to all of the teachers out there making a difference. We appreciate everyone who participated in making our Teacher Giveaway such a success! GoLittleton White Mountains New Hampshire Mildred C. Lakeway Elementary School Dave Harkless Littleton Area Chamber of Commerce
