Ashley Weidman: Golden Apple finalist
Ashley teaches first grade at Ledgewood School in Roscoe, Illinois.
Five of the 20 teachers who are finalists in the 2025 Golden Apple Award for Academic Excellence teach at schools in far northern Winnebago County.
Ashley Weidman has called Ledgewood Elementary School in Roscoe her home throughout her teaching career. In fact, she has taught first grade in the same room for six years.
“I love Ledgewood and teaching first grade. The children learn so much at that age. They are enthusiastic. They are huge leaps in learning.”
Ashley said her mother always told her that she would be a good teacher. “ I visited a local elementary school and I loved it. I was so excited.”
Ashley grew up in Roscoe, and attended Prairie Hill Elementary School, K -8, and Hononegah Community High School.
Ashley graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a degree in elementary education, in 2009.
She is working toward a master’s degree through American College of Education.
She was nominated by four parents from prior Ledgewood families, “It is really special and meaningful to me to be nominated. I am honored to be going through the process.”
Ashley and her husband, Jared are parents of three children, Max, Mae and Maggie.
