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Ashley Cartun, PhD, is Director of Secondary Humanities and Associate Teaching Professor in Literacy Studies and affiliate faculty in the Teaching, Learning, Research & Practice program area. A teacher educator and literacy scholar, she prepares future English and social studies teachers while partnering with schools and mentor educators across Colorado to strengthen pathways into the profession and support educators across their careers.

Ashley began her career as a secondary English teacher and has been part of the Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder School of Education community since beginning her doctoral studies in 2011. She now mentors preservice teachers, collaborates with practicing educators and alumni, and works with doctoral students and state partners to advance equity-minded, justice-oriented Humanities education. Her teaching centers on developing thoughtful, relational educators who are both intellectually rigorous and grounded in care.

Her research focuses on teacher education, particularly the emotional and relational dimensions of learning to teach. She examines how affect, well-being, and community shape preparation and long-term sustainability in the profession and works closely with K–12 and state partners to design pathways and supports that help educators thrive.

Ashley’s commitment to literacy is rooted in a belief that stories change people. Reading and writing open doors to possibility, empower individuals' voices, and help them see themselves and one another more clearly. For her, teaching in the Humanities has always meant standing at the intersection of literacy, humanity, and justice; ensuring that young people, especially those whose perspectives have not always been centered, have space to speak, write, and be heard.

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