Ashley Marot, an art teacher at E. C. Glass High School, has been named the 2025-26 Lynchburg City Schools (LCS) Teacher of the Year. A dedicated and innovative educator, Marot embodies the spirit of LCS through her student-centered teaching style, positive impact on her school and the broader Lynchburg community, and passion for forming supportive relationships with students and staff members.
“Mrs. Marot is a passionate and creative educator committed to meeting the needs of every learner,” said LCS Superintendent Dr. Kristy Somerville-Midgette. “She consistently creates a welcoming learning environment where students feel supported, challenged, and valued. Mrs. Marot’s impact reaches beyond the classroom and is felt by students, families, and colleagues alike.”
Marot is an art teacher and cultural arts department chair at E. C. Glass, where she has taught since 2019. Over the past six years, she’s become a cornerstone of the E. C. Glass community, using art to foster an uplifting school culture. Her students’ work adds life to the halls of the school building, and many have even supported the school theatre program by designing sets and art installations for productions. Marot also leads the school’s highly decorated student yearbook program, which won top Virginia High School League (VHSL) honors in 2024 and 2025 and has been featured in the prestigious National Portfolio yearbook publication every year since 2021.
LCS students, staff, and administrators surprised Marot with the news of her 2025-26 LCS Teacher of the Year award.
Marot’s impact stretches beyond the school building. She often empowers students to display their work at community art exhibits with respected local organizations like the Academy Center of the Arts, Downtown Lynchburg Association, and Hill City Keys. According to E. C. Glass Principal Dr. Dani Rule, opportunities like this demonstrate how she empowers students to build confidence and let their creativity shine.
“She is the one who polishes the mirror in front of the students so they can see their full potential as she sees it,” Dr. Rule said. “All you need to do is walk through her classroom to observe how Mrs. Marot expresses herself and her vision for educational excellence in an engaging and motivating way. She has the attention of every student.”
Marot’s 14-year teaching career has been defined by her student-focused approach to instruction. Marot meets learners of all backgrounds, abilities, interests, and skill levels where they are, making artists of even the most reluctant learners.
“Our selection panel was struck by Mrs. Marot’s relationship-centered approach to education. Mrs. Marot leads with kindness and encouragement, ensuring students feel seen and safe,” said LCS Chief Human Resources Officer Tiffeney Brown. “Mrs. Marot is imaginative, empathetic, and deeply passionate about student success.”
Marot was nominated by school administrators and selected as the 2025-26 LCS Teacher of the Year after a competitive interview process. She will go on to apply for the opportunity to represent LCS at the state level as the Virginia Teacher of the Year.
“I’m very grateful and excited to be chosen as the LCS Teacher of the Year, especially since there are so many great educators in this district. I look forward to representing E. C. Glass and LCS as I begin the process for consideration as the Virginia Teacher of the Year,” Marot said.
