Ash Southern – First Grade Assistant Teacher

Ash values exploration and curiosity — both in their own life and in the learning environments they create. Their past adventures have included teaching ski school in Colorado, leading multi-week bike tours for high schoolers along the California coast, thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, and biking across the country. These experiences have shaped Ash’s understanding of patience, adaptability, and the quiet confidence that comes from doing hard things. They love helping students build that same sense of trust in themselves.

Ash came to Rainbow in 2023 as a preschool teacher and continues their time here as the first grade assistant teacher. Ash is grateful to be part of a school where exploration, growth, and belonging are woven into daily life.

Outside of work, you’ll find them hanging out with their dog, rewatching old seasons of Survivor, or planning their next backpacking trip.