Getting to Know You: Erin Newman

Erin Newman — Special Education Teacher

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Academic Major/Content Area: Elementary Education

Minor: Special Education

Hometown: Richland, WA

Employed at: Horse Heaven Hills Middle School, Kennewick School District

How long have you worked there?: 6 years

Year graduated: 2012

What is your favorite thing about your profession?

Teaching is unique in that it is one of the only professions where every day, I am afforded the opportunity to make a kid’s life better. Be that by teaching them content, or by modeling behaviors that will help them be successful, or allowing them avenues to step out of their comfort zones and try things they never would have otherwise.

Why did you want to become a teacher?

I’ve always enjoyed working with kids and I knew, no matter what field I was going into, that I wanted to have the opportunity to work with kids. My brother told me I’d be a good teacher when we were younger and it kind of stuck. So when I was asked what I wanted to go to school for, I took a few classes to see if education was something I wanted to get into and everything unfolded from there.

What advice do you have for current students in the WSU teaching program?

The T&L program is challenging and one of the most difficult, but rewarding, experiences I’ve gone through. Through those challenges I struggled, as I’m sure all students going through a college program do. But the struggle exists for a reason. Real life is hard. And if you’re never challenged beforehand, you’re going to fall and not be able to pick yourself back up. This program prepared me for reality. I fell a lot, but learned how to pick myself up. While it seems hard, my advice would be to push through the struggle. The sun will rise tomorrow and a new day will come. Cope through the hard times, this too shall pass, and be rewarded at the finish line.