September 21, 2025

Innovative Educators Strengthen Community Connections in Asheville

Asheville, September 21, 2025

News Summary

Educators in Asheville are enhancing connections with students and families through innovative approaches amidst personal challenges. Teachers like Shelley Haney utilize Facebook Live to engage parents, while Anabelle Marasigan’s colleagues show support through fundraising during her family’s separation. This highlights the resilience of Asheville’s teaching community as they balance personal and professional lives, facing financial challenges, particularly during the summer months.

Asheville, N.C. – In a demonstration of innovation and resilience, educators in Asheville are overcoming personal challenges to enhance educational connections with students and their families. Key initiatives by local teachers are showcasing the dedication and adaptability that define the community’s educational landscape.

Shelley Haney, a kindergarten teacher at Hall Fletcher Elementary School, began utilizing Facebook Live in January to cultivate stronger relationships between the classroom and students’ homes. This step allows parents to be more involved in their children’s learning. Haney’s approach of connecting with parents through live sessions allows them to engage more effectively with lessons being taught, addressing the question of how to bring classrooms into homes.

The positive feedback from parents, including the enthusiasm expressed by one student’s mother, highlights the value of this approach. Haney organizes weekly Facebook Live meetings to provide updates on class activities and lessons, reinforcing communication and collaboration between educators and families.

Haney expresses her passion for teaching kindergarten, emphasizing the joy she finds in her role and the fulfillment it brings her each day. Her innovative methods may be transformative during a time when educational environments require adaptation to better suit student needs and family engagement.

In another instance of dedication, Anabelle Marasigan, a new special needs teacher who relocated from the Philippines, faced personal challenges after separating from her husband and young daughter. Her colleagues at Ira B. Jones Elementary School demonstrated solidarity by initiating fundraising efforts to help Marasigan reunite with her family following a prolonged separation of four months. The reunion was made possible after a lengthy journey involving multiple countries.

The emotional significance of the family reunion underlines the personal sacrifices many educators make for their careers. Marasigan’s story emphasizes the strong communal support within the teaching profession and highlights the challenges faced by those coming from abroad to teach in American schools.

In addition to these individual stories, it is notable that many public school teachers in Buncombe and Transylvania County often work during the summer months to bolster their finances due to the lack of summer pay. Teachers, such as Chris Lengle, point out that because they are not compensated in the summer, many must save, find seasonal work, or return to teaching summer classes.

Others, like Dawn Lory and Ellen Licht, explain their agreements with summer classes offer a less stressful alternative without the pressure of assessments and parent engagement, all while helping to fund essential expenses like college tuition for their children. The importance of summer breaks for teachers has been amplified post-COVID-19, as many educators view these breaks as essential for their overall effectiveness and mental well-being.

This confluence of personal anecdotes and pressing challenges faced by educators illustrates a committed teaching community striving to balance their professional responsibilities with their personal lives and aspirations. The capacity to innovate and maintain strong connections with families represents a powerful testament to the resilience and dedication found within Asheville’s educational landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What innovative methods is Shelley Haney using in her classroom?

Shelley Haney incorporates Facebook Live in her classroom to connect with students’ parents and bring the classroom into their homes.

Why did Anabelle Marasigan leave the Philippines?

Anabelle Marasigan moved from the Philippines to become a special needs teacher in Asheville, leaving her husband and 4-year-old daughter behind.

What kind of support did Marasigan receive from her coworkers?

Her coworkers initiated fundraising to help reunite her family after months of separation.

What are common summer employment practices among local teachers?

Many public school teachers in Buncombe and Transylvania County work during the summer to supplement their income due to the lack of summer pay.

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Key Features of the Article

Feature	Description
Innovative Teaching Methods	Shelley Haney uses Facebook Live to bridge communication between classroom and home.
Personal Stories of Dedication	Anabelle Marasigan’s journey illustrates the sacrifices and challenges faced by educators.
Community Support	Fundraising efforts by colleagues demonstrate strong communal bonds and support among teachers.
Challenges of Summer Pay	Teachers often work during the summer to supplement their income, highlighting financial challenges.