Educator Spotlight: Elizabeth Newell
How one educator helps students discover their strengths through experience.
Elizabeth Newell has spent more than two decades shaping the minds and hearts of students, with the last 15 years dedicated to teaching 5th-grade Language Arts and Social Studies. A passionate and empathetic educator, she brings a personal understanding of how every student learns differently, an experience that fuels her dedication to creating an inclusive, engaging classroom. Elizabeth’s story is one of patience, purpose, and a deep belief in the potential of every learner.
We’re grateful to Elizabeth not just for the incredible impact she’s had on her students, but for the lasting partnership she’s built with Junior Achievement. From her first experience with JA BizTown in 2010 to championing its expansion to Newark, Elizabeth has remained a steady advocate for hands-on learning that sticks with students for life. In this interview, she shares what continues to inspire her and why programs like JA BizTown hold such a meaningful place in her teaching journey.
Elizabeth’s interview
Q: Can you share a bit about yourself?
A: My name is Elizabeth Newell and I’ve been an educator for 22 years. I have taught 4th-8th graders over my years. For the last 15 years I have been teaching 5th-grade Language Arts and Social Studies.
Q: What inspired you to become an educator?
A: Growing up, school was not my thing. I was a student who took a little bit longer to read the required passage, think through a problem, or understand a concept. I always had teachers along the way that were always caring and helpful and I knew they were looking out for my best interest. I want to be that for my students. Also, during the summers while in college, I had a job as a tutor at a dyslexic camp. That experience solidified for me that I had made the right choice by going into the Education field.
Q: What was your first experience with Junior Achievement?
A: My very first experience with Junior Achievement was during the 2010-2011 school year at the BizTown of Central Ohio in Columbus. Admittedly, I don’t remember a whole lot about the actual day, but I do remember thinking how engaged my students were and how much fun they were having. We have continued to bring our entire 5th grade to BizTown every year since (though they had been going for a long time before me) and it is one of my favorite days of the entire school year! This year, we were able to bring our 5th graders to the new Newark, Ohio, location of BizTown. I have always been impressed with Junior Achievement’s communication, organization, and adaptability and the new location did not disappoint.
Q: How do you see JA Impacting your students’ futures, academically or personally?
A: My students love BizTown- even those that in the beginning think they’re not going to! The students are learning life skills prior to going to BizTown, then they are able to feel like adults completing their jobs and getting paid for it. They certainly learn about real life scarcity when they are able to go on their shopping breaks and the item they want is no longer available. Those students for whom school isn’t really their thing really seem to flourish while at BizTown. They have their own responsibilities and earn a paycheck based on the work they’ve done and they take pride in that. Not to mention, it has become a lasting memory. I have heard stories from past parents that share BizTown is a memory their children talk about when they are graduating high school and thinking back on their favorite memories over the years.
