March 12, 2026 — For students in the orchestra room at Dodgen Middle School, music is more than learning notes on a page. It is about discovery, growth, and confidence. Much of that experience is guided by longtime educator Ashley Culley. Culley, Dodgen’s orchestra director, has been named the 2026 Educator of the Year by the Georgia Chapter of the American String Teachers Association (ASTA). Culley,
The honor recognizes her commitment to music education and the lasting impact she has made on students across Cobb Schools. Now in her 24th year with the Cobb County School District and 27th year in education, Culley has spent most of her career helping young musicians find their passion for orchestra. Her love of music began when she played in the orchestra throughout middle and high school. A summer experience at the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts helped her realize that music could become more than a hobby. By her senior year, she began teaching private cello lessons and quickly discovered how much she loved helping others learn.
“I realized then how much I loved helping students learn to play their instrument,” Culley said. “By the end of high school, I knew that I wanted to teach music. It is the perfect combination of two of my favorite things: music and teaching others.”
Today, she finds the greatest joy in watching students grow as musicians and learners. “I love seeing when students have their ‘a-ha’ moment, and things start to click,” Culley said. “When something that might have seemed overwhelmingly difficult at first becomes second nature to them, it is always exciting to see.”
While Culley teaches at Dodgen Middle School, her impact extends beyond one campus. For the past 20 years, she has also worked with students at Upbeat! String Camp, a summer program that supports orchestra students across the region. The camp began in Fulton County more than two decades ago and expanded into Cobb about 15 years ago. Today, it includes two Cobb locations and brings together orchestra teachers and students from across the district.
“I love working with fellow Cobb orchestra teachers at camp,” Culley said. Her work reflects the larger story of music education in Cobb Schools. Year after year, the district is recognized as one of the nation’s Best Communities for Music Education, highlighting its commitment to strong music programs for students. Culley says she feels fortunate to be part of that tradition.
“I feel so fortunate to work in the Cobb County School District,” she said. “Cobb has always led the way in music education in Georgia. The Cobb County School District is truly a leader in music education, and I am very grateful to be a part of it.”
