Portsmouth teacher named R.I. Teacher of the Year

A third-grade teacher in Portsmouth is Rhode Island Teacher of the Year.

Ashley Adamson, who teaches at Hathaway Elementary School, received the honor Tuesday at a surprise ceremony held remotely in accordance with social-distancing rules.

Adamson, a URI graduate, has been a teacher for 14 years. At Hathaway, she is an instructor for the Rhode Island Comprehensive Assessment System Ramp Up Program, a pilot teacher for a new English language arts program, a presenter on social and emotional learning for fellow teachhing, a robotics coach, and coach of three middle-school sports teams.

She was the 2019 Portsmouth Teacher of the Year.

“Mrs. Adamson is without a doubt an outstanding teacher,” wrote her principal, Lisa Little, in her nomination letter. “Whether interacting with students, communicating with parents, sharing with colleagues, leading or attending professional development activities, she excels at her job. Her knowledge of children and how they learn and her genuine love of teaching are extraordinary.”

As teacher of the year, Adamson will work with the Rhode Islannd Department of Education throughout the 2020-21 school year to support education statewide, including a special focus on educator recognition initiatives.

She is also eligible to represent Rhode Island as the National Teacher of the Year.