Jane Aras was born in South Korea and immigrated to the United States when she was adopted from an orphanage as an 8-year-old. Jane knew she wanted to become a teacher in third grade. Newly adopted and dropped into the Skagit Valley not knowing a word of English, her third grade teacher lit a fire that has yet to fade. She wanted every child to feel the way that teacher made her feel. Capable, supported and safe.

Jane earned her master’s degree in special education — she has a special place in her heart for kids who fall outside the norm. Jane has taught both special education and general ed. And as a mother she has experience with highly capable education, as well.

Jane’s life crosses a range of experiences that many children across Bellevue schools are having: a new country, a new language, bi-racial families, educational needs that fall outside the norm. Having lived these experiences and having been a teacher for many years, Jane believes that she can bring a unique and much-needed perspective to the Bellevue School Board. Jane even spent a year substitute teaching at schools across the Bellevue School District in order to fully understand the community dynamics that vary from school to school.

She is married to Yatin Aras, who came to the U.S. from India for his graduate studies. They have three children: their two boys are in college and their daughter is a junior at Sammamish High School and a Running Start student.