Cassie Ascheman serves as an English language arts specialist at Bergman Academy, an independent school in Des Moines, where she has supported students and teachers for the past seven years. In this role, she provides Tier 2 interventions using a structured literacy approach, advocates for evidence-based instruction, and has led initiatives such as implementing a K–5 phonics program, promoting universal Orton-Gillingham training for K–5 teachers, and facilitating professional development in dyslexia.

Her teaching background includes four years as a first-grade teacher, where her passion for structured literacy and supporting students with dyslexia first began. Cassie co-leads the language arts department, collaborating with teachers to strengthen literacy instruction across grade levels at her school. She guides teachers in refining literacy strategies to better meet the diverse needs of students.

Cassie holds a Master of Education from Grandview University and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Northwest Missouri State. She holds a Reading K–8 endorsement, a dyslexia specialist endorsement, and is awaiting approval for her K–12 reading specialist endorsement. Her professional credentials include an instructional coaching certificate from Grandview University, where she gained valuable insight to support teachers. She has extensive training in Orton-Gillingham, phonemic awareness, and morphology instructional practices. In 2024, she was recognized for her contributions as an Iowa Literacy Standards Review Team member.

Cassie is passionate about equipping educators with the knowledge and tools to support all Iowa students effectively. She is eager to contribute her expertise to the council while continuing to learn alongside fellow professionals in the field.