Justin is a nationally-recognized, award-winning teacher, published author, work-life balance coach, and motivational speaker from Charlotte, North Carolina, where he began teaching in 2007.
He has taught for 15 years in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. He earned his undergraduate education degree as a NC Teaching Fellows Scholar at UNC Charlotte and also holds a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Wingate University.
He and his students are known for 2 historical hip-hop videos that went viral on YouTube- STRAIGHT INTTA OREGON and Rights, Rights Baby. Justin’s class takes on various projects to bring learning to life-through hands on units like Revolutionary Water Balloon Battles and service projects in the community.
In 2011, Justin was named the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools East Zone Teacher of the Year and in 2013, he became the only teacher to ever win 2 state titles-the North Carolina History Teacher of the Year and North Carolina Social Studies Teacher of the Year-in the same year.
In 2013, Justin worked alongside the NC Association of Education as an outspoken advocate for education in the Tar Heel State-in the midst of a 500 million dollar budget cut to school funding. His letter to Thom Tillis (State House Speaker) remains the most widely read post on the Charlotte Observer’s education blog and was spotlighted by Diane Ravitch, Assistant Secretary of Education under the Bush Administration.
Justin is a highly sought after keynote speaker and workshop host for state conferences, local school districts, and universities.
His first book, The Balanced Teacher Path, is available at Barnes & Noble and on Amazon. It has been highlighted by the Miami Herald and NPR. Read more on the Book page.
His blog post, The Life Lesson a Teacher of the Year Learned in Rehab, made the list for the Top 10 Quotes in U.S. Education Issues in 2017 by Education Week.
Most importantly, Justin is a proud husband to his wonderful wife, Samantha, and a dedicated father to his two amazing kids, Cole and Savannah. He enjoys playing basketball with his son, singing all things Disney with his daughter, and nature walking with his wife. His favorite family vacation spots in North Carolina are Wilmington and Asheville.
Justin Ashley 