Ashley Ireland
Director of Simulated Learning and Affiliate Faculty
Biography
Ashley has held various roles in education including teacher, instructional coach, program coordinator, reading specialist, teacher trainer, and school leader. She has a B.A. in Psychology from University of California, Santa Cruz, an M.Ed. in Educational Psychology- Leadership, Policy, and Social Foundations from the University of Virginia, and a doctorate from University of California, Los Angeles. Ashley holds K-8 multi-subject teaching certificates in both California and Virginia with authorizations in English Language Development as well as Gifted and Talented Education.
She can be reached by email at ashley.ireland@lmu.edu.
Education
University of California, Los Angeles
Ed.D.
Educational Leadership
2021
University of Virginia
MEd
Educational Psychology- Social Foundations, Leadership, and Policy
2014
University of California, Santa Cruz
BA
Psychology
2001
Areas of Expertise
Industry Expertise
Links
Media Appearances
Simulation Technology Helps Aspiring Educational Leaders Prepare for Challenging Real-Life Scenarios
Loyola Marymount University print
2022-05-01
Impact Report
Mixed-Reality Technology Boosts Skills and Practice of Future Educators
Loyola Marymount University print
2021-05-01
Impact Report
Research Grants
Teaching with Technology Grant
Loyola Marymount University
Dr. Ashley Ireland is a three-time recipient of LMU’s Teaching with Technology award, a competitive internal stipend program that supports faculty in piloting innovative, student-centered teaching practices aligned with LMU’s Strategic Plan. Across funded projects, the award has enabled the design and implementation of technology-enhanced learning experiences—such as integrating AI-supported, personalized learning activities; strengthening online and Brightspace course design through Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in partnership with instructional technologists; and developing immersive, interactive learning modules using LMU’s Immersive Learning Lab and related media/creative support resources.
Education Research Support Grant
Loyola Marymount University
Dr. Ashley Ireland was awarded an internal LMU School of Education Research Support Grant to advance a co-created, trauma-informed simulation initiative in partnership with local school sites. The grant provides course release support to strengthen an existing university–school partnership while collaboratively designing, piloting, and refining mixed reality simulation (MRS) learning experiences that help educators practice high-stakes, trauma-informed and SEL-aligned interactions (e.g., responding to student dysregulation, supporting families under stress, and navigating safety and reporting scenarios). Grounded in a research–practice partnership model, the project centers reciprocity and partner-defined problems of practice, builds educator capacity, and generates actionable evidence to improve school climate and student outcomes—particularly for learners on the margins of success.
Courses
The Context of Schooling
An overview of how social, cultural, political, and community contexts influence schools, student experiences, and instructional leadership.
Blended Learning
A deep dive into blended learning models (e.g., station rotation, flipped, flex), emphasizing instructional design, implementation, and continuous improvement.
Technology Enhanced Instruction
A methods course on integrating technology to strengthen lesson design, formative assessment, accessibility, and student collaboration.
Driving the Digital Curriculum
A curriculum design course centered on building coherent, standards-aligned digital learning experiences using effective tools, platforms, and pedagogy.
Teachers & Technology
A critical and applied look at the teacher’s role in leveraging technology ethically, effectively, and inclusively to support learning and classroom culture.
Educational Technology for Personalized Learning
A design-oriented course on using edtech, data, and learning science to differentiate instruction and create responsive, learner-centered pathways.
Person Centered Approaches in Education
A human-centered course on relational teaching, SEL-informed practice, and communication strategies that promote belonging, agency, and growth.
Perspectives and Policies that Guide Education
An exploration of the historical, philosophical, and policy forces that shape schooling, equity, and educational decision-making.
Using Technology in the Classroom
A practical course focused on selecting, evaluating, and implementing classroom technologies to enhance instruction, engagement, and assessment.
Articles
Experiencing the Shift: How Experiential Blended Learning Professional Development Enhances Teacher Self-Efficacy
Journal of Catholic EducationShannon Tabaldo & Ashley Ireland
Forthcoming
Mixed Reality Simulation in Teacher Preparation Programs in the United States
DissertationAshley Ireland
2026-03-03
Practice is a vital component of teacher preparation. Mixed Reality Simulation (MRS) is a technology that provides teacher candidates opportunities for practice and rehearsal. As of 2021, MRS can be found in just 52 of the estimated 1,200 teacher preparation programs nationwide. Within the Diffusion of Innovation theory, these programs are considered innovators and early adopters. Applying the theory, learning and sharing how these programs are using MRS may help to diffuse and ultimately grow the use of this innovation in teacher preparation programs.This explanatory sequential mixed methods study included a survey and interviews of leaders of simulation to discover (1) how simulation is being used in teacher preparation in the United States and (2) how the leaders of the technology perceive MRS for teacher preparation.