Grad Stories: Ashley Falduto's passion for education

Ashley Falduto from Kenosha, WI is a recent UW-Parkside Fall 2024 graduate who majored in Elementary Education. As a first-generation college student, UW-Parkside was a natural choice as an affordable campus with abundant resources for students. Ashley cites her placement in local area schools through the Elementary Education program, and encouragement from her professors as a deciding factor for pursuing her major. At a particularly low moment, Ashley cites the support of her professor Dr. Courtney Wirtz as a defining moment in her collegiate career.  

“I owe that woman my whole life. I was told at a placement that I was awkward with kids and not cut out for this. I was breaking down and ready to drop out and she completely 180 picked me up. She gave me so much confidence in myself.”

After commencement, Ashley will be a full-time elementary school science teacher for 5th and 6th grade at 21st Century Prep in Racine.