Aria Newton

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I couldn’t afford art and design college and then I volunteered with a class of kindergarteners and had a vision of me creating a colorful and bright classroom filled with art and crafts and realized I can still live out my dreams and help my students find joy in art too. They say “those who can’t teach” and they are right I couldn’t so I did and it has been the best decision of my life. Now I teach in an arts integrated school and we explore art in every subject!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience is every time a student who may be struggling is encouraged by everyone in the class. Building an inclusive classroom community is very important to me and when they rally around each other and lift each other up, especially in today’s climate, I’m so proud of them. Empathy is a choice so when they choose to show it sincerely it’s very meaningful to me.

What would you do with the $25,000?

All of it will go towards my nonprofit The Book Bridge Initiative which has a goal of placing a million books in a million children’s hands. Through community based literacy programs I plan to help continue to close the gap in creating a literate society. I also plan to have scholarship opportunities for students to attend STEM and coding summer camps, art and design universities for high school students and opportunities for students with disabilities to explore and learn new skills.