Ashley A. Kannan is a Teach Plus Leading Edge Fellow and 8th grade American History and African American Studies at Percy Julian Middle School in Oak Park, Illinois. He serves as co-chair of the history department and is a member of the district’s Black Excellence in Teaching in Oak Park, District 97 Professional Learning Committee, and District 97 AI Advisory Group. Ashley coaches the Julian Girls’ Basketball team and sponsors Rainbow Tribe space for members of the LGBTQ+ community. A National Board Certified teacher, he was named Cook County Regional Teacher of the Year and is a six-time Golden Apple Award nominee. Ashley is a Teach Plus Senior Writing Fellowship alumnus and Illinois Policy Fellowship alumnus. He earned his BA in politics, philosophy, and literature of modern Europe from Kenyon College and MA in education from DePaul University. Ashley’s op-eds have been published in the Chicago Tribune, K-12, and Wednesday Journal, among other outlets.
