By Joycelyne Fadojutimi
Sarah Ashcraft begins most mornings the same way—standing at the front of her classroom at Forest Park Magnet School, watching her students settle in, wondering what new questions the day will bring. After 13 years in education, she has learned that the most meaningful moments rarely come from having the right answers, but from helping students discover their own.
With a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Arkansas Tech University and a master’s in curriculum and instruction from the University of Texas at Arlington, Ashcraft found her calling in a classroom shaped by the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework. She was drawn to IB for its global perspective and its insistence that students look beyond their immediate surroundings. In a place where many students have not traveled far outside of Longview or even Texas, this approach matters.
In Ashcraft’s classroom, learning begins with curiosity. Whether students are reading about Mount Everest or exploring cultures across Europe and Asia, she works to make distant places feel real. Photos, videos, and stories become windows into a wider world, helping students form connections to people and places they may never have encountered otherwise. For many, it is their first glimpse of life beyond their own community.
The IB philosophy, she explains, is about more than academics. It is about developing the whole student—encouraging them to think critically, ask questions, and approach problems with an open mind. Her students are not just learning facts; they are learning how to think independently and how to see issues from multiple perspectives. Over time, they begin to understand that the world is complex and interconnected, and that their voices and choices matter within it.
That growth does not come without challenges. For students who are still building their understanding of the wider world, thinking globally can feel unfamiliar at first. Ashcraft meets them where they are, guiding them step by step and giving them the tools to explore beyond their comfort zones. She knows that confidence grows with exposure, and each new discovery helps expand their sense of what is possible.
Equally important to her teaching is the balance between rigor and care. Ashcraft believes that strong relationships are the foundation of any successful classroom. Her students know she expects their best, but they also know she sees them as more than just a grade. That trust allows her to challenge them academically while supporting their well-being, creating an environment where effort and perseverance are valued.
Looking ahead, Ashcraft sees IB education as more relevant than ever. In a world that is increasingly interconnected, she believes students must be prepared to think beyond
borders and understand the impact of their actions on a global scale. The skills they develop now—critical thinking, empathy, and awareness—will shape how they navigate the future.
Still, when asked what matters most, her answer is simple: the people. She speaks with gratitude about her colleagues, describing a staff that is both supportive and deeply committed to students. And it is her students—their resilience, their effort, and their moments of triumph—that bring her the greatest joy. Each time they overcome a challenge or reach a goal, she is reminded why she chose this path.
In Ashcraft’s classroom, the world may begin in Longview, but it never stays there for long.
