Jasmine Ayers
December 12, 2022
This time of year, the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) focuses on the many joys surrounding graduation and our outstanding students. Jasmine Ayers is the 2022 CEHD outstanding student and banner bearer, one of the highest honors bestowed to students at the University of Louisville. She will graduate this December with a Master of Education (Med) in special education with a concentration on autism spectrum disorder and applied behavior analysis.
Ayers was selected for this honor because of her dedication to individuals needing support, advocacy, and education. In his nomination, Dr. Jon Burt wrote, "Among the exemplary scholars graduating this December, I would imagine few have demonstrated the scholarship and practice needed to accomplish our mission as well as Jasmine Ayers.”
Ayers was shocked when she received the award. She explained that she was grateful for the recognition of her hard work but that there was something else that made the award even more special. “My mom and I will actually be graduating in the same ceremony.” Ayers is a first-generation college student and explained that her mother, Joyce Shelton would also be graduating from the CEHD this December.
Shelton returned to the workforce after being a stay-at-home mom and started taking classes at Jefferson Community & Technical College (JCTC). At that point, Shelton fell in love with learning and earned two associate degrees in 2010 and 2011. Eventually, she decided that it was time for her to start taking classes at UofL. “I started taking classes in 2012 in the workforce leadership program, but then life got in the way, and I had to pause,” explained Shelton. In the fall of 2021, she was inspired to finish her degree, so she pursued a Bachelor of Science in organizational leadership and learning. Shelton wanted to graduate as a Cardinal just like the rest of her family. “All of my kids and their significant others are UofL graduates. A lot of times kids will go where their parents went to school but now, I get to join them as an alumnus.”
“I’m really proud of my mom for going back to school as an adult,” said Ayers. As a non-traditional student, Ayers understands the challenge that comes along with that journey. “It means a lot to both of us that we get to walk together and share this experience,” she said.
When asked about her daughter’s degree, Shelton beamed about how proud she is of Ayers pursuing something she loves - even if it meant going back later in life. “We each have our own path, and none are wrong,” said Shelton. Post high school, Ayers earned her technical degree at Galen College of Nursing and worked in nursing for five years.
After some soul-searching, Ayers made a career change and started her collegiate journey at the University of Louisville. “I always knew I wanted to go to UofL, and after thinking about my nursing career, every job I had revolved around teaching,” said Ayers. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, she earned a Bachelor of Science in early elementary education and moderate to severe disabilities (dual certification). Next, she started her MEd program and a job as a special education teacher in a self-contained classroom at Atherton High School.
Ayers explained that she chose UofL because of its prestigious reputation but after spending the last several years collaborating with faculty, she is grateful for their support and mentorship. “I’ve grown so much since becoming a cardinal, she stated. “These experiences have made me a better leader and a more confident woman.”
When asked, about special education, Ayers explained that her background in nursing was a driving factor in that decision. “I worked in a facility for people with disabilities so teaching special education felt like a natural next step,” she elaborated. “It goes hand-in-hand with the holistic approach in nursing. We look beyond specific services and instead focus on the entire person.” Ayers felt inspired by the marginalized people she was working with on a day-to-day basis and the common ground she found with those individuals. “None of us are really that different if we just take the chance to get to know one another,” she stated.
Ayers particularly enjoys facilitating connections between general education students and her students with disabilities. “We have this great peer-tutoring program that I’ve become involved with where gen-ed students visit my classroom,” she said. “I get to teach them about people with disabilities and help begin friendships.”
After graduation, Ayers will continue teaching but will eventually test to become a board-certified behavior analyst. She explained that this path marries her history in healthcare to her future in education. Dr. Burt explained that to excel as a behavior therapist one must establish a learning environment that is firm yet kind, accountable yet compassionate, and free yet responsible. “Jasmine's classroom is one where these qualities are not mutually exclusive. She has worked hard to create a space where her students are met where they are but are also challenged to be better.”
On December 16 at 7:00 PM, Ayers will walk alongside her mother and represent all CEHD students by bearing the banner and placing it on the stage at the KFCYum! Center.
Shelton cannot imagine a better journey for her daughter, stating that she is a teacher in and out of the classroom. “You have to be born with that,” Shelton explained. “The strength, the stamina, and the bravery that she has is amazing. All three of my daughters are strong women and I could not be prouder of them collectively and individually.”
When asked about her experience at UofL, Shelton stated that “Every class seemed like an eye-opening experience and the more I learned the more I realized how much is out there.” She followed up with, “I don’t know what I’m going to do now but I do know that I will keep learning in some way and I think Jasmine will do the same. She is a forever learner especially in her service to others as a teacher.” As lifelong learners, Ayers and her mother are excited to share their graduation experience but continue their own paths.
About the College of Education and Human Development:
Founded in 1968, the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) is a vibrant community that prepares students for leadership in a variety of metropolitan settings including schools, public and private corporations, and governmental agencies.
CEHD embraces the University's mission to advance the intellectual, cultural, and economic development of our diverse communities and citizens. Our commitment to student success is unparalleled as we promote the highest levels of learning and social, emotional, and physical health and well-being for all children, individuals, and families.
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