Our "Employee Spotlight" series aims to showcase the unique personalities, talents, and stories that contribute to the success of our district. This section celebrates the incredible individuals who make our Lansing USD469 community thrive.
Tonya Arias, 5th Grade Interrelated Teacher
Question: How long have you worked in Lansing USD469?
Answer: This is my 12th year in Lansing.
Question: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and the role you have within the school district?
Answer: I am a Kansas native. I was born in Norton and have worked my way across the state. I have 3 children: Vianne, Tiego, and Mateo. I have worked in special education for my entire career.
Question: What do you enjoy most about your role and the work you do in the school district?
Answer: I love getting to work with all different kinds of kids to meet their needs - right where they are. I also really enjoy being able to join other teachers in their classrooms. I get to learn so much from them. I was really lucky to work as a para for 7 years as I earned my teaching degree. I had very supportive teachers that allowed me valuable experience in the classroom. I am still very grateful to the teachers of USD 211 for giving me such a good start to my teaching career!
Question: When you're not working, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy?
Answer:When I am not working I like to bake, make my own vanilla, and attempt home improvement projects. I have also started to learn the ukulele.
Question: What is something unusual about you that most people don't know?
Answer: I was an Americorps volunteer for a year. I taught adult basic education and GED in the Appalachian region of Kentucky. I drove all over the county and taught people in their homes: ages 16 to 67!
Question: Could you share a particularly heartwarming or memorable experience you've had while working with students or colleagues?
Answer: While in my first year as a paraeducator, I had the opportunity to work with a student on the Autism spectrum. I had such a wonderful experience with him and his family and loved seeing the growth that he made. It was because of my experience with him that I decided to become a teacher!
Question: What piece of advice would you like to offer to students to help them succeed and make the most of their educational journey?
Answer: Be open to new ideas - from your teachers and from your classmates. We all have valuable ideas to share with each other and can have much richer experiences if we go on the journey together.