By: Katina Rice-Davis, Staff Writer
katina@thewoodrufftimes.com
For Ashley Moorman, teaching is more than a profession; it’s a calling rooted in family, faith, and the community that helped shape her.
A proud Woodruff High School graduate and Lander University alumna, Moorman has come full circle, returning home to invest in the next generation as a 4K teacher at Libertas Academy of Woodruff. She is also the owner of a tutoring service dedicated to helping students build academic skills and confidence.
“I am so excited for this school year,” Moorman said. “As a Woodruff High School graduate, coming back to my community as an educator is incredibly meaningful because I have the opportunity to serve the same community that helped shape me. It is an honor to inspire students to work hard, believe in themselves, and understand that success is possible with determination and perseverance.”
A lifelong resident of the area, Moorman is the daughter of Torrie Reed and the late Angela Moorman and was raised by her grandparents, Geraldine Gilliam Cook and Milton Cook. She is the mother of Rylan Moorman, the fiancée of Spencer Briggs, and a member of Cedar Grove Baptist Church in Enoree.
Her educational journey led her to Lander University, where she earned a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies: Teaching and Learning Diverse Elementary Students. Yet, her desire to become an educator began long before college.
“My inspiration for becoming a teacher was my late mother, Angela Moorman,” she said. “Although I wasn’t born while she was teaching, I always knew I wanted to follow in her footsteps.”
She also credits several teachers at Woodruff Elementary School for helping solidify that dream.
“My third, fourth, and fifth-grade teachers made such an impact on me that I decided I wanted to become a teacher,” she said. “A special shoutout to Mrs. Deer, Mrs. Harrison, and Mrs. Ray for inspiring me and helping shape the educator I am today.”
Today, Moorman is entering her fourth year as a certified teacher after serving as a reading interventionist for three years. Her experience includes teaching 4K, first grade, and second grade, while working with students ranging in age from 3 to 18. Her passion for mentoring children even predates her professional career, beginning in high school as a camp counselor before later becoming a camp director. That same passion inspired her to expand her work beyond the classroom through tutoring.
“Tutoring was a natural extension of my passion for teaching,” Moorman explained. “Some students need additional individualized support beyond what they receive during the school day. Tutoring allows me to meet students where they are, build their confidence, and help them overcome challenges at their own pace.”
She provides tutoring in math, reading, science, and social studies, but says the greatest reward isn’t found in improved test scores. “My favorite part about tutoring is getting to know each student and celebrating every bit of progress they make,” she said. “Seeing a student go from saying, ‘I can’t do this,’ to ‘I got it!’ is one of the best feelings as an educator.”
Moorman understands firsthand the impact tutoring can have because she once benefited from it herself. She fondly remembers the encouragement she received from community tutor Mrs. Ethel Downs and the academic support she gained through an after-school program led by Mrs. Rhodes. She also credits several middle school teachers and mentors, including Mrs. Barksdale-Gilliam, Mr. Paul Gilliam, Mrs. McConnell, Mrs. Williams, Mrs. Runyans, Mrs. Lee, and Mrs. Howard, with helping build her confidence.
“Those experiences showed me the importance of having someone believe in you,” she said. “I want to provide that same support to my students.”
Whether in a classroom or a tutoring session, Moorman believes every child deserves instruction tailored to their unique learning style. “I take time to learn how each student thinks, learns, and what motivates them,” she said. “Then, I adjust my teaching by using different strategies, breaking concepts into smaller steps, or finding creative ways to make learning meaningful.”
She believes one of the greatest challenges facing today’s students isn’t simply academics. “Students today carry a lot of stress, self-doubt, and pressure,” she said. “Some struggle because of learning gaps, while others simply need someone to believe in them.”
To combat that, she focuses on creating an encouraging environment where mistakes are viewed as opportunities for growth. She uses games, hands-on activities, real-life connections, and even allows students to quiz her with flashcards and trivia to remind them that learning never stops, even for adults. “I celebrate every success, whether it is big or small,” she said. “I want students to know they are capable.”
Moorman also emphasizes that educational success extends beyond the classroom walls.
“I believe education is a partnership,” she said. “Teachers provide instruction during the school day, but parents and the community reinforce those lessons outside of school. When everyone works together, students feel supported.”
She encourages parents to view tutoring as more than a solution for struggling students. “One common misconception is that tutoring is only for students who are struggling academically,” she said. “In reality, tutoring benefits students at all levels. It can challenge advanced learners, prepare students for assessments, or simply build confidence.”
Above all, Moorman hopes every child who crosses her path leaves with something far greater than improved grades. “I want students to know how to work hard, show respect, be kind, and never give up when things become challenging,” she said. “Years from now, if they don’t remember every lesson I taught, I hope they remember the way I made them feel-seen, encouraged, and capable of achieving great things.”
Families interested in learning more about Moorman’s tutoring services can connect with her through Facebook, Instagram, and other online platforms. Before tutoring begins, parents complete a questionnaire about their child’s strengths and areas of need, allowing Moorman to create a personalized learning plan and build a strong partnership from the very first session.
For Ashley Moorman, education has never been solely about academics. It is about building confidence, nurturing resilience, and reminding every child that they are capable of achieving more than they ever imagined. As she returns to the community that once poured into her, she is now doing the same for the next generation, one student at a time.
