The Story Behind the Name…

When I started my tutoring business, choosing a name felt both exciting and incredibly personal. I wanted something simple, but also meaningful. Something that would reflect me, what I believe in, and what I hope every child experiences when they walk into a session with me. That’s how AB Tutoring was born.

At first glance, it’s a straightforward play on my initials; Ashley Brookshire. Easy enough, right? But the truth is, it goes much deeper than that.

AB Tutoring is more than just my name. It also represents Academics and Beyond. A reminder of the two-fold mission that sits at the heart of my work.

Yes, I’m here to support children in their academic journeys. I believe in strong literacy foundations, building confidence through comprehension, and helping students reach the benchmarks they’re capable of achieving. But my commitment goes beyond test scores and report cards. Much of the work I do is about who these children are becoming. Not just as learners, but as people.

Every student I work with is unique. They are thinkers, dreamers, creators, and future leaders. They carry with them emotions, insecurities, joys, and stories that matter. I want them to know they are not just retainers of information. They are seen, heard, and loved in my space.

In a world that often rushes to measure success with numbers, AB Tutoring is my quiet rebellion. It’s where relationships come first, where every small person is treated like the big deal they truly are. It’s where “beyond” means checking in on how their day went, celebrating their kindness, or just giving them a place to feel proud of themselves again.

So yes, AB is me. But it’s also so much more than me. And that’s something I’ll always be proud to stand behind.

From Classroom to Living Room: A New Chapter

I turned in my classroom keys today, and with them I left a piece of myself behind. Room 22 held so many memories and moments, big and small, and it’s so strange to know that it's no longer mine. For the first time in years, I won’t be spending my summer days laminating name tags, arranging desks into welcoming little groups, or planning those crucial first-week icebreakers. My classroom, a place that has been a second home to me and my students over the years, is now in the hands of another. Leaving it behind was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.

To say I loved being a teacher feels like an understatement. I loved the "Aha!" moments when a tricky math concept finally clicked. I loved the sound of a classroom buzzing with collaborative energy in the mornings and the softer quieter focus in the afternoons. I loved watching everyone work together to solve problems and sing along when a favorite song would come on. Most of all, I loved my students. I loved their goofy jokes, their endless hugs, their unfiltered honesty, and their incredible capacity for growth and love. Being their teacher was a privilege.

But over the past couple of years, I started to see a pattern. I saw bright, capable children struggle to keep up, not because they couldn’t grasp the material, but because something else was holding them back. I saw frustration manifest as outbursts, anxiety lead to a refusal to try, and a lack of confidence create crippling self-doubt. The academic gaps were almost always downstream from a deeper, more personal struggle.

The truth is, a child who doesn't know how to manage their frustration can't persevere through a difficult long-division problem. A child who can't advocate for themselves won't ask for help when they're lost in a lesson. A child who doesn't believe in their own abilities will be too afraid of failure to even begin the assignment.

I saw a glaring need for more than just academic instruction. I saw a need for connection. A need for a space where students could understand their own emotions, develop empathy for others, and build the resilience to navigate the social world around them. The curriculum is packed, and the demands on teachers are immense. While we all do our best to weave social-emotional learning (SEL) into our days, there is often not enough time to give each child the focused, individual support they need.

And that’s where my new adventure begins—

I’m not leaving education behind. I’m just changing my address. Instead of a classroom of twenty-two, I’ll be working one-on-one with students as a private tutor. My mission is to bridge the gap I saw so clearly from the front of the classroom. I believe that academic success is inextricably linked to social and emotional well-being.

My approach won’t just be about mastering multiplication tables or recognizing sight words. It will be about building confidence, fostering a growth mindset, and developing self-awareness. We’ll celebrate the process, not just the product. We'll learn how to take on challenges with courage and how to treat ourselves with kindness when we stumble. We will build a foundation of emotional intelligence that will support not only a student's academic journey but their entire life.

It's a new chapter, for sure. It feels a little scary, a lot different, but full of purpose. I’m taking everything I loved about the classroom—the connection, the "aha" moments, the joy of watching a child blossom—and creating something new. So, let the new adventure begin.

A Messy Desk is…

As a former classroom teacher turned private tutor, one of the first day of school principles I always tried to instill in my students was a self-made adage, "A messy desk is a messy mind".

Think about a classroom. When the inside of desks are cluttered with old papers, tiny notes, toy erasers, and an explosion of various writing utensils, it’s hard for anyone, especially a student, to concentrate on the task at hand. That visual chaos is a constant distraction, pulling their attention away from what truly matters, not to mention making it difficult to find what they need quickly. And here's the kicker: this isn't just about classroom desks. The exact same principle applies to our everyday lives.

As summer kicks off, I thought that writing about this topic could be helpful to parents and kids alike to keep everyone a little more sane in this season of lost routines. 

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A messy room, a disorganized house, or a generally cluttered environment can significantly affect how we feel and our ability to get things done. It's not just about aesthetics; it's about psychology. When our surroundings are chaotic, our brains interpret that as a form of unfinished business. This can lead to:

• Increased Stress and Anxiety: The visual overload can make us feel overwhelmed and out of control.

• Reduced Focus and Productivity: Every misplaced item is a subtle nudge, diverting our attention and making it harder to concentrate on tasks.

• Decreased Motivation: Facing a mountain of mess can be disheartening, making us less likely to even start a task.

• Impaired Decision-Making: A cluttered space can make it harder to think clearly and make good choices.

Essentially, a messy external environment often mirrors, or even contributes to, a messy internal state.

Taming the Chaos:

The good news is that you don't need to become a minimalist overnight to experience the benefits of a more organized life. Even small, consistent efforts can make a big difference. Here are some genuine and helpful ways to start eliminating mess from your day-to-day life:

1. Start Small, Think Big

Don't try to tackle your entire house in one go. Pick one small area – your desk, a single drawer, or even just your nightstand. Declutter that space completely. The sense of accomplishment will motivate you to move on to the next area.

2. The "One-Minute Rule"

If a task takes less than a minute to complete, do it immediately. This could be putting away a dish after you've used it, hanging up your jacket when you come inside, or putting your keys in their designated spot. These tiny actions prevent small messes from becoming big ones.

3. Everything Needs a Home

This is a golden rule of organization. If an item doesn't have a designated place, it will inevitably end up contributing to clutter. Take some time to identify a "home" for everything you own, and then, crucially, always put things back in their homes.

4. The "One In, One Out" Rule

When you buy something new, especially in categories prone to accumulation (clothes, books, kitchen gadgets), consider donating or getting rid of something similar you already own. This prevents endless accumulation.

5. Schedule Regular Decluttering Sessions

Just like you schedule appointments or workouts, schedule short, regular decluttering sessions. Even 15-30 minutes once a week can make a significant impact. Use this time to put things away, sort mail, and tidy up.

6. Digitize When Possible

Old papers, receipts, and documents can quickly pile up. Explore options for digitizing these items. Apps like Adobe Scan or your phone's camera can turn physical documents into digital files, reducing paper clutter.

7. Embrace Vertical Space

Don't forget about shelves, wall-mounted organizers, and drawer dividers. Utilizing vertical space and internal organizing solutions can significantly increase your storage capacity without expanding your footprint.

8. Be Mindful of "Landing Zones"

Identify areas in your home that tend to become dumping grounds (e.g., your kitchen counter, the entryway table). These are often "landing zones" where items accumulate. Be extra diligent about keeping these areas clear and implementing the "everything has a home" rule here.

Creating a more organized environment isn't about perfection; it's about creating a space that supports your well-being and productivity. When your physical space is clearer, you'll often find that your mind feels clearer too. So, take a deep breath, pick one small area, and start decluttering your way to a calmer, more focused you.

What's one small change you can make today to bring more order to your environment?

How to Know If Your Child Needs a Tutor: 5 Key Signs

Most of you know that I’ve had the privilege of being a classroom teacher and supporting children both in large groups and one-on-one. One thing I know for sure: every child learns at their own pace, and sometimes they just need a little extra support to thrive.

If you’re wondering whether your child might benefit from a tutor, here are five signs to look for- based on what I’ve seen in the classroom and heard from parents.

1. Homework Is Taking Way Too Long (and Ends in Frustration)

If your child spends hours on what should be a 30-minute assignment—or if homework time consistently ends in tears, arguments, or shutdowns—it may be a red flag.

In each new grade level, students are developing independence and stamina. If your child avoids assignments or needs constant help to get through them, a tutor can provide the targeted instruction and confidence boost needed to make things click—and ease the stress on everyone at home.

2. They Say Things Like “I’m Just Not Good at Math”

It’s heartbreaking when a child starts believing they aren’t smart. When I taught 3rd grade, students would say things like, “I’m bad at reading,” or “I’m not as smart as everyone else,” and I even heard negative self-talk creep in as early as first grade. 

When kids start to label themselves or view certain subjects with a negative lens, it is often a signal that they are struggling more than they let on. A tutor can gently rebuild confidence by reteaching concepts and celebrating small wins. A positive mindset is just as important as academic progress!

3. The Teacher Has Expressed Concerns, But You’re Not Sure What to Do Next

Maybe your child’s teacher mentioned that your student is falling behind or having difficulty meeting grade-level expectations, and it can be overwhelming to know what steps to take or how to help at home.  

Tutors can bridge that gap between school and home by aligning tutoring sessions with what’s happening in the classroom, providing personalized support that complements school goals.

4. They Struggle with Focus or Following Directions

This doesn’t always mean a child has ADHD or a learning issue—it might just mean they need more personalized guidance and fewer distractions than a busy classroom can offer. If your child has trouble starting tasks, staying on topic, or following multi-step directions, personalized tutoring might help.

In private one-on-one sessions, tailoring the pace and approach to your child’s learning style helps build focus, stamina, and ownership of their learning.

5. You Just Want to Prevent Gaps Before They Grow

Tutoring isn’t just for kids who are struggling—it’s also a powerful tool for building momentum! Some families seek tutoring to build confidence, keep up momentum during transitions (like moving from 2nd to 3rd grade) or to prevent the dreaded "summer slide."

I am dedicated to helping kids stay sharp, feel confident, and start the new school year strong. Proactive support now can make a big difference later.

💡 Final Thoughts

As someone who has sat at the front of the classroom, I know what’s expected of students today—and how hard it is to meet every child’s needs in a large group. Tutoring is not about “fixing" your child; it’s about giving them the space, strategies, and encouragement they need to feel capable. It can truly be transformative—not just academically, but emotionally.

Tutoring gives your child:

• A safe space to ask questions

• The freedom to learn at their own pace

• A trusted adult who believes in their potential

If you’re curious whether tutoring might help your child, I’m always happy to chat or do a quick learning check-in. Sometimes, a little support goes a long way!

Faith Over Fear

It’s been exactly one month since my final last day of school. I knew then that I wouldn’t be going back to teach in Room 22, and on that day, I felt a swirl of emotions—gratitude, sadness, excitement, and, if I’m being honest, a little fear. Stepping away from something I’ve known and loved for years—my classroom, my students, the rhythm of the school year—wasn’t easy. But beneath all the noise of what-ifs and maybes, there was a quiet but steady voice reminding me: Faith over fear.

That phrase became our school’s unofficial motto back in 2020, during the uncertain days of distance learning and daily pivots that COVID brought with it. We clung to it like a life raft. “Faith over fear” didn’t make hard things go away, but it helped us face them with strength, steadiness, and a deeper belief that we weren’t walking through the chaos alone. It’s a phrase that settled deep into my heart, and I’ve carried it with me ever since.

Faith has always played a foundational role in my life. It’s the lens through which I’ve made many of my biggest decisions, including this one—leaving a secure, predictable teaching career to start my own private tutoring business. That kind of leap doesn’t come without late-night doubts or moments of second-guessing. But every time I start to spiral, I come back to the truth that’s anchored me again and again: when I move in faith, I’m never really falling—I’m being led.

I want to be clear—this post isn’t about pushing a particular belief system or assuming that everyone shares mine. I know we all draw strength from different places. Some find it in their faith, others in family, nature, meditation, or simply in the quiet knowing that they've walked through hard things before and come out stronger. However you define your source of strength, I believe in honoring it.

For me, my faith reminds me that I’m part of something bigger than myself, that I’m not in control of everything (even though I often try to be!), and that when I choose to trust instead of fear, I find peace. Not perfection. Not ease. But peace.

Starting AB Tutoring is a leap, yes—but it’s also an act of obedience and hope. I truly believe that this next chapter will be full of growth—not just for me, but for every student and family I get to serve. I didn’t leave the classroom because I was burnt out or tired. I left because I felt called to reach kids in a different way, to support families more personally, and to use my gifts in a space where relationships come first.

So, if you're standing at the edge of something uncertain, I hope you know this: it’s okay to be nervous. It’s okay to not have all the answers. I certainly don't. But fear doesn’t get the final say. You do. I do. Whether it’s launching a new business, making a change for your child, or simply taking one brave step toward something unfamiliar—you are capable, you are seen, and you are not alone.

Here’s to choosing faith over fear, again and again.

With Gratitude,

Ashley