Ashley Jurica, a beloved English teacher at Redwood High School, is leaving after thirteen years to become a professor at Fresno Pacific University (FPU). The Redwood community is sad to see her go but proud and supportive of her new opportunity.
By: Beatrice Du Toit
Ashley Jurica is a beloved English teacher at Redwood High School for thirteen years. She teaches the COS Literature class, and AP Language and composition. She has worked and been a big part of the Redwood community, as much as it is sad to see her go, Redwood students and staff are happy for this opportunity for her.
When asked about moving to FPU, Mrs. Jurica said, “Leaving Redwood is really bittersweet. Redwood is where I learned how to be a teacher and where I grew into a leader. I’ve built so many relationships here and learned so much from the people around me. I’m excited about what’s next, but it’s definitely hard to leave a place that has felt like home for so long.”
Mrs. Jurica’s move is a bittersweet, but both students and teachers are very proud and happy for her, with many well wishes.
Ms. Elizabeth Forsythe, Ap Lang and Composition teacher said, “I am very happy for Jurica, because it has been a long term goal to become a tenured professor, and now she’s achieving that goal.”
Ms. Forsythe and Ms. Stacy Gonzalez, the two other AP Language and composition teachers, both talk about how proud they are of Jurica, it’s a big accomplishment and they couldn’t be happier for her.
Ms. Gonzalez said, “I am very sad to see her go because she’s a wonderful colleague, but I am so proud that she has grown and reached for her dreams and has now achieved what she had been pursuing.”
Not only will Mrs. Jurica’s Colleagues miss her, but her students will as well.
Liam Bradford, ‘26, a student of Jurica in her COS literature class said, “I’m proud of her for wanting a better job, and I’m super happy that she got the position at Fresno Pacific. It’s a really good school and I’m really happy that she gets this opportunity.”
A lot of the Redwood community will miss Mrs. Jurica, but couldn’t be more proud of her for this opportunity. When asked about what she was excited for about this new position, she shared that she couldn’t wait to support future teachers and educators.
Mrs. Jurica said, “I’m really excited to work with Fresno Pacific University and help support future teachers as they start their careers. Being able to support new educators, connect theory to real classroom practice, and give back to the profession that has given me so much feels like a meaningful next step. I’m excited to take everything I’ve learned at Redwood and bring those experiences with me as I work with teacher candidates.”
Mrs. Jurica says that leaving is bittersweet, there is so much Redwood has taught her, and how connected she has become with the community here, but it’s a big step in a new direction that she has been pursuing.
When asked about what she would miss about Redwood, Mrs. Jurica said, “ I’ll miss the people the most—by far. The students and staff are what make Redwood special. I’ll miss the everyday moments like quick hallway conversations, checking in with students, laughing with coworkers, and watching students find their voice and confidence. Redwood has such a strong sense of community and school pride, and that’s something I’ll always carry with me.”
As much as the Redwood community will miss her, they fully support her in the move and send many well wishes.
Ms. Forsythe said, “I am really excited for how Jurica will be able to operate at Fresno Pacific, and how she will develop in her new environment, and it’s not like I won’t see her after she leaves, we already have plans to hang out.”
Both Ms. Forsythe and Ms. Gonzalez wish Mrs. Jurica the best of luck, and hope that she has a wonderful new experience at Fresno Pacific University.
Gonzalez said, “I am going to miss her greatly. She’s a wonderful, humorous, and caring colleague, and not only that. I am proud to be able to call her my friend.”
Ms. Jurica’s students are happy for her too, but some are slightly worried about who will be their new teacher.
Kenley Gunning, ‘27, AP language and composition student said, ”I am kind of worried that the new teacher isn’t going to be supportive like Mrs. Jurica, she’s a really good teacher.”
While there is some worry in finding a new teacher for the position, Ms. Forsythe and Ms. Gonzalez are positive that the teacher they find will be just as supportive as Jurica.
Ms. Gonzalez said, “I’m very confident that our admin team will be able to put a plan in place together so that we can best provide support for our students.”
Mrs. Jurica will be missed greatly, but the Redwood community couldn’t be happier, or more proud of her in her next step. Redwood wishes Jurica the best of luck, and many well wishes on her move to Fresno Pacific University.
Bradford said, “We will miss her very, very much. She is one of Redwood’s best.”
Beatrice Du Toit
Tags: Ashley Jurica, english teachers, rangers, Redwood, redwood gigantea, redwood high school, redwood journalism, redwood rangers, rhs, the branch, visalia ca
