From Mockery to Masterclass: How One Texas Woman Defied Judgment to Create Her Own School

Recently, I found myself on a social media app that focused on faith and inspiration, and that’s where I came across Ashlynn Godfrey. Originally from Kyle, Texas, Ashlynn is an educator and the founder of GLA—Godfrey Learning Academy. It’s a small but mighty K–5 micro school in Kyle, Texas. Ashlynn has always known she wanted to be a teacher. For her, school was a safe place—one where educators made her feel seen and loved. But there were very few who truly helped her thrive. As she explained to me, growing up as a young Black girl undiagnosed with anxiety and ADHD, she quickly learned how to mask her struggles. She worked hard, but despite her efforts, she often found herself overwhelmed.

Get our free mobile app

Ridiculed No More: Texas Woman Builds Her Dream School After Critics Tried to Silence Her

A graduate of the University of West Georgia, Ashlynn became a second-grade teacher just as the pandemic hit. While she managed to power through that difficult period, it was also when she was introduced to the concept of micro schools. An organization called Kaipod helps individuals launch their learning pods, and this sparked an idea for the then-23-year-old educator. Even though Ashlynn initially doubted whether parents would trust her with their children’s education, she chose to follow her dream and become the kind of educator she had always wanted to be. After moving back to Texas, a change was on the horizon—one she could never have imagined.

Her Vision, Her Victory: Texas Woman Proves Naysayers Wrong with Groundbreaking New School

Following trials, tribulations, and toxic experiences with former coworkers, Ashlynn realized it was time to start her micro school. Mrs.Jobita Rivera, a fellow educator with 10 years of experience, noted that Ashlynn’s journey through those challenges laid the foundation for GLA. Everything changed after that. By March, Ashlynn had figured out how to secure funding. With just one classroom tour, the Godfrey Learning Academy was officially born.

Texas Woman Shakes Off Haters, Establishes School Where Every Child Can Thrive

What I love most about Ashlynn’s story is that she not only believed in herself but also in the deeper purpose of being a good educator. She says, “When my students say ‘I can’t,’ I always tell them, ‘It’s not that you can’t—it’s that you haven’t learned it yet.’Ashlynn is a woman with compassion, flexibility, and heart. And the reality is, we need more educators like her—people who love what they do and who help our kids discover their love for learning.