Ashley (Schwichtenberg) Landru, Class of 2011 and an Elementary Education major, brings care and creativity to her role teaching sixth grade students. She loves teaching social studies and language arts to young students, sharing her passion for books and learning every day. Beyond classroom instruction, Ashley engages with her school community through leadership on committees dedicated to student growth—including one that has received state recognition for exemplary work in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports.

Inspired by her family’s teaching legacy—both of her parents were educators—Ashley embraced her lifelong call to nurture young learners. She continues to pursue growth, considering the possibility of advanced degrees to further her impact, perhaps in school leadership or higher education.

Reflecting on her time at Bethany, Ashley shares that the faculty’s encouragement shaped her trajectory. “The Bethany faculty cannot be matched. From day one, I was surrounded by professors who wanted to see me succeed. When I had questions, the professors were always willing to answer.” She fondly recalls education classes with her cohort under Dr. Browne: “We were like a little family… we pushed each other to learn and grow while we laughed along the way.”

Ashley advises current students to lean into collaboration, noting: the ability to give and receive constructive feedback is one of the most essential traits for successful educators.

Her story highlights how an Elementary Education degree from Bethany Lutheran College cultivates educators grounded in faith, dedicated to service, and ready to lead with compassion and integrity.