Hello! My name is Ashby Burnette Bell, and I teach Lower School Mathematics as well as both Lower and Upper School Health classes here at New Vistas School! I graduated from The University of Lynchburg in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Special Education and a minor in Psychology. This is my fourth year working in the field of Special Education since completing my degree, and I am incredibly excited to be teaching here at New Vistas School! Since completing one of my very first ‘field experiences’ at New Vistas School in 2019 for my degree, New Vistas has been the school I’ve compared every other school to. I loved the small class sizes, the individualized instruction, and how everything was tailored to meet each student’s unique needs. I feel unbelievably lucky to be part of this community and to have the opportunity to teach Lower School Mathematics this school year!

One of my main goals in my Mathematics instruction is to help students build their confidence in math. Over the years, I have worked with many students who feel intimidated by math due to prior negative experiences with the subject. In my classes, we work toward increasing math confidence by incorporating a combination of direct instruction, hands-on activities, and individualized support to meet the needs of all learners. With a focus on closing gaps of knowledge and promoting individual growth, my Mathematics classes provide all students with the opportunity to show progress and experience success in math.

Before joining New Vistas School, I worked as both a Special Education Teacher and a Therapeutic Day Treatment Clinician. As a Special Education Teacher, I provided individualized instruction in Mathematics, Language Arts, and Social Emotional Skills. In my role as a Therapeutic Day Treatment Clinician, I supported students who had difficulty regulating their emotions by helping them learn social skills, develop coping strategies, and find positive ways to express their feelings. These experiences have shaped my philosophy of education and my goals as an educator. I remain passionate about the intersection between psychology and education, and about the positive impact that social skills instruction can have on students. Helping students develop the ability to self-regulate, use coping strategies, and maintain a growth mindset benefits them across all academic areas and prepares them for success not only in school, but also beyond it.

“I’m convinced that when we help our children find healthy ways of dealing with their feelings—ways that don’t hurt them or anyone else—we’re helping to make our world a safer, better place.”
~ Mr. Fred Rogers

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