MISD’s Osborne set to lead educational talent development at the national level

MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) –

Midland Independent School District’s Associate Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, Ashley Osborne, is set to lead educational talent development at the national level.

Beginning in January of 2023, Ashley Osborne played a big role in making the district’s educational landscape better.

However, October will mark the end of her 18-year career with MISD as she will become a Senior Partner for the National Center for Your Own Growth.

Osborne’s top priority at MISD was improving literacy rates. So, she implemented a district-wide k-2 phonics-based curriculum that has increased the grades for 60 percent of students, specifically in reading.

Ashley Osborne, MISD Associate Superintendent of Teaching and Learning said, “What that really does is have a focus on providing students, especially in those primary grades, those foundational skills that will teach them to read… And so, they will be stronger readers because they have that phonics instruction in kindergarten through second grade.”

Midland ISD has seen a number of improvements in the National Merit Semifinalists, pre-k seats and professional learning credits for the summer and back to school sessions.

Even though Osborne is leaving, the district remains committed to the growth of its students and plans on building upon these plans for the future.

“The work that she’s led since day one, she was instrumental in that transition plan coming into the district. She was instrumental in that revisit of our strategic plan and building out those strategies and initiatives… and that is work that is now foundational within our district,” said MISD Superintendent, Dr. Stephanie Howard.

The National Center for Grow Your Own (NCGYO) is a non-profit organization that provides technical assistance to state and local education agencies.

The partnership with educator preparation providers (EPPs) will help those agencies launch a “Grow Your Own” (GYO) program that removes financial barriers, lead to higher retention and increase educator diversity.

“I’m getting back to some work that I’ve done previously around talent development, and so really excited to build out strong robust pipelines to get educators into the profession and have them be well equipped prior to entering the classroom,” said Osborne.

The Teaching and Learning and School Improvement departments will be combined starting in October.

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