Ashley Bencsics has been a Special Education Teacher for over ten years, and has been serving the Therapeutic Emotional Support program since she joined Colonial IU 20 in 2022. She says, "The most rewarding thing for me about working as a teacher with the IU is seeing the student growth - in academics but also their social skills and the relationships the students build with each other and their teachers. They develop such fun personalities and love interacting with each other."
Daria Scott, Supervisor of the Therapeutic Emotional Support program notes that, "Mrs. Bencsics provides a safe and nurturing environment for her students. Her students have some of the most significant challenges in the county, and she runs a smooth and efficient classroom. She has a positive rapport with her families and districts. She goes above and beyond to make school a fun experience for students who have had multiple failed placements."
Ashley’s advice for a new employee starting at Colonial IU 20 is: "Don’t be afraid to be silly and vulnerable. Kids can tell when you’re pretending or not fully invested. They also notice when you’re being your authentic self and sharing a part of your life with them. It means so much to them when you take the time to let them in and make them feel like a part of your world."