Graduate Alumna Focus | Ally Golightly

My name is Ally Golightly and I am currently in my third year of teaching first grade at Butterfly Ridge Elementary.

Prior to working at Butterfly Ridge, I taught fifth grade for four years at Brunswick Elementary. I began my teaching career teaching English for a year at a public elementary school in Gwangju, South Korea through a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Grant.

I earned my bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with minors in Math and Coaching from Elon University in May of 2013, and recently earned my master's degree in Mathematics Instructional Leadership with a concentration in PreK - 6 from Hood College.

Throughout my career as a student and teacher, I have always been drawn to mathematics. I love the idea of math being a puzzle to be solved, and that there are many, many different paths to the solution.

I felt the Mathematics Instructional Leadership program would broaden my knowledge of mathematical concepts and skills, and would provide me with opportunities to support and improve my mathematical instruction.

Through my graduate degree coursework and practicum, I have been able to expand and deepen my understanding of mathematical concepts.

I have also been able to learn coaching pedagogy to improve my leadership skills. I am also excited to announce that I will be fulfilling the role of Math Specialist at Walkersville Elementary for the 2021 - 2022 school year!

I enjoyed the small class sizes. I was able to get to know both my professors and classmates.

The connections I have made within Frederick County and outside Frederick County have helped me learn more about the mathematical education field in many different organizations.

One of my favorite memories is when I got to know one of my classmates and the realization that she worked at Brunswick Middle and was currently teaching students I taught in fifth grade. It was a great connection and funny discussion!

I love to play ultimate frisbee and have co-lead an ultimate frisbee coding club to share my passions with 4th and 5th graders.

Inspired by Ally’s story and ready to #GOFURTHER in your career? Learn about Hood’s graduate programs, including the Mathematics Instructional Leadership program, by clicking here.