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Ashley Naranjo
Bridging museums and classrooms for deeper learning
Professional Background
Ashley Naranjo, M.Ed., is a distinguished museum educator with extensive expertise in leveraging digital resources to enhance teaching and learning experiences. With a passion for education that spans over a decade, Ashley currently plays a pivotal role at the Smithsonian Institution, where she serves as the Manager of Educator Engagement & Strategic Partnerships within the Office of the Under Secretary for Education. Her career journey is marked by a commitment to professional development, as she has developed and implemented numerous opportunities for educators, librarians, and fellow museum professionals since 2011.
Prior to her impactful work at the Smithsonian, Ashley garnered valuable experience in both formal and informal educational settings. She has worked as an ESOL instructor for adults, taught humanities at the middle school level, and managed summer programs, demonstrating her versatility and dedication to education. With a background that incorporates modern technology in learning, Ashley is at the forefront of educational innovation, helping educators adapt to the digital age.
Education and Achievements
Ashley earned her Bachelor of Arts in Human Development, specializing in Developmental Psychology, from the esteemed Lynch School of Education at Boston College. During her time there, she was actively involved in research as a research assistant and an independent study student within the Laboratory of Thinking, Learning & Cognition in the Arts, where she developed a deep understanding of the cognitive processes involved in learning.
In pursuit of furthering her expertise, Ashley completed her Master of Education in Learning Design and Technology from the prestigious University of Southern California. Her thesis, entitled “Using Digital Museum Resources in the Classroom,” reflects her commitment to integrating digital resources in educational curriculum, emphasizing the importance of museum resources in enriching the learning experience.
To further her leadership skills and broaden her perspective within the museum field, Ashley graduated from the Getty Leadership Institute’s NextGen of Museum Leaders program in 2019. This invaluable experience equipped her with advanced skills in leadership and strategic thinking within the context of museum education.
Notable Professional Experiences
Over the years, Ashley has held several notable positions that showcase her broad skill set and deep commitment to education. At the Smithsonian Institution's Center for Learning and Digital Access, she served as a Museum Educator, facilitating engaging educational experiences for diverse audiences. Her role involved creating interactive and dynamic learning opportunities that foster engagement and knowledge sharing.
Prior to her tenure at the Smithsonian, Ashley significantly contributed to educational initiatives at various institutions. During her role as the Saturday Program and Substitute ESOL Instructor at Lado International College, she supported learners in developing their English language skills, an essential tool for integration and success in diverse environments.
Ashley also served as a Long-Term Substitute Teacher at Saint Agnes School, where she implemented lesson plans and effectively managed classroom dynamics, ensuring a positive and productive learning environment for her students. Additionally, her talents were recognized as she took on the role of Assistant Summer Programs Director at Congressional School, where she oversaw summer learning initiatives, fostering an enriching educational environment for children during the summer months.
Notably, Ashley has also held the position of Lead ESOL Teacher at Catholic Charities Diocese of Arlington, contributing her expertise in English language instruction to support individuals from various backgrounds in achieving their educational goals.
Moreover, her leadership capabilities shone through in her role as the Interim Main Campus Director and Intensive Program Coordinator at LADO International Institute, where she coordinated intensive English programs and managed a team of educators.
Ashley’s work at WorldTeach further enriched her teaching repertoire, allowing her to share her love of learning and language across international borders. As an ESOL Literacy Teacher with the Arlington Education and Employment Program, she directly impacted learners by enhancing their literacy skills, which play a critical role in personal and professional growth.
Additionally, Ashley began her relationship with the Smithsonian Institution as an Intern Services Program Assistant, where she gained invaluable insight into the inner workings of one of the world’s leading cultural institutions. Her time as a Student Office Assistant within the Office of the Dean of Student Development at Boston College provided her with foundational administrative skills that have proven beneficial throughout her career.
Achievements
Highlights
Know an undergraduate student interested in learning more about museum education with the Smithsonian Institution this summer?
Claudine K. Brown Internship in Education applications for a paid opportunity are open until Feb 17.
More information: https://lnkd.in/e3UAGyqy #SmithsonianEdu #education #internship #museumeducation
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Mesh is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Mesh beneficial.
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