Emily Arellano’s journey to get an education degree began when she called her mom for advice.
“I was pursuing a music degree which didn’t meet my expectations,” Arellano said. “My mom suggested I explore opportunities in schools, noting that they always needed help. She was also an educator, and seeing her help students firsthand had a lasting impact on me.”
Today, as an educator at Garfield Early Childhood Center in Garden City, Kansas, Arellano is one of six finalists for the 2024 Crystal Apple Honor Award — a recognition she does not take lightly.
Arellano felt “incredibly honored and humbled” when she discovered she was a finalist.
“It was a surreal moment that made me reflect on the impact I’ve had on my students and the support I’ve received from colleagues and mentors,” she said.
The top three finalists for the Crystal Apple Honor Award will be named at the awards banquet on Thursday, Nov. 21, at the Clarion Inn in Garden City. The three finalists will receive an engraved crystal apple, a $1,000 cash award and an iPad tablet. The three remaining semi-finalists will be presented with a cash award of $250.
“Receiving the Crystal Apple award would be an incredible honor,” Arellano said. “It would validate all the hard work and dedication I’ve put into my teaching, making me even more grateful for the students and educators who have helped me get to where I am in my career.”
I believe all students can learn, no matter their background or challenges.
Emily Arellano ’16, ’20, ’22
A ‘transformative’ journey as an educator
As a child, Arellano struggled with learning in the classroom.
“I needed hands-on activities and step-by-step instructions, which is why I now focus on using multiple teaching methods in my classroom,” she said.
Arellano gradually became an expert in these teaching methods as a three-time — and soon, a four-time — graduate of Newman University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in 2016, an ESOL endorsement in 2020 and her early childhood and special education coursework in 2022. In December 2024, she will graduate with her master’s degree in building leadership from Newman.
Arellano discovered Newman University through Associate Vice President of Outreach Education and Dean of the School of Education and Social Work Jessica Bird. Bird visited with paraprofessionals — Arellano included — about a program to help the paras become teachers, and Arellano’s interest was piqued.
When Arellano pursued her bachelor’s degree through a blend of online and in-person courses through Newman’s education outreach program in 2016, a familiar face welcomed her into the Newman Jet family.
“Jessica Bird eventually became one of my first instructors,” she said. “I loved the small class sizes, which allowed for personal connections with the incredibly supportive instructors.”
Arellano describes her Newman experience as “transformative.” Newman professors Steve Karlin and John Burke, both of whom served as superintendents, shared invaluable insights on effective school improvement plans for future educators.
“They made me feel valued and empowered to grow,” Arellano said. “My wife, who is an assistant professor and the early childhood unified and targeted instruction program coordinator at Newman, also played a crucial role in motivating me to stay the course, even when I felt like giving up.”
A classroom for all learners
As a Newman graduate student, Arellano has applied her knowledge and skills to her current classroom. Her ultimate goal is to create equitable opportunities for all students to learn, especially those who struggle as she once did.
“I believe all students can learn, no matter their background or challenges,” Arellano said. “Our classroom is like a family — we embrace our differences, lift each other up and grow together. Seeing my students succeed, both academically and socially, brings me immense joy.”
She thanks her family, colleagues and mentors for their support and in particular, her mother for “supporting countless students as a special education coordinator.”
Arellano added, “Watching her make a difference in the lives of her students inspired me to do the same.”
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