“I believe Jane brings a very unique depth and breadth of experience to the board that is not shared by other candidates under review.  As a special education teacher in both the Renton School District and Bellevue School District, she led instructional learning centers that helped students transition to traditional tracks in less than two years. 

“Holding PTA equity roles within elementary, middle and high schools, she supported teachers across educational development initiatives to enhance Spanish education learning for BSD’s Spanish immersion students (such as international study abroad programs) and STEM clubs inclusive to all students -without barriers to costs, accessibility or availability.  

“Her volunteerism is unmatched given her three-year obligation teaching computer science to remote rural high school students from underserved migrant farming communities in central Washington in addition to leading grass-roots math and computer science neighborhood clubs supporting students who have fallen behind in STEM. Jane’s consistent impact to Bellevue students and the Bellevue community is unlike no other and demonstrates her tireless commitment to seeing that all Bellevue students realize their deserved potential in academic success. 

“As a Bellevue parent, I have witnessed first-hand how students of color and underserved populations have not adequately been served by Bellevue School District.

“Jane’s compassion, experience and resolve will contribute to the board’s ability to advance policies that address such shortcomings and compliment the breadth of diverse perspectives deserved by Bellevue students.”

“This letter is in support of Jane Aras, candidate for the Bellevue School District Board Position 5.   I supervised Jane while she was a special education teacher in the Renton School District.  She taught elementary students in grades 1-5 who received specialized academic and behavioral services.  

“Instructionally, Jane used a data-driven approach to establish appropriate IEP goals and provide differentiated instruction and curriculum in reading, writing, math, and social skills.  She incorporated material that was culturally relevant as well as focused on real world learning and problem solving.   Students learned through a variety of experiences that included individualized instruction, group interaction, use of technology, peer tutoring, and direct instruction.  Many of her students met their IEP goals by developing grade appropriate skills in specific service areas and were exited from those areas.

“Not afraid of hard work, Jane did what was needed to assure the success of her students.  She spent much time assessing and analyzing data; creating instructional experiences; modifying curriculum, and researching best practices that facilitated student learning.  Jane arranged and led parent meetings, collaborated with colleagues, and attended numerous staff development opportunities.  She brought in guest speakers; created community mentorships for students; and conducted home visits.  Jane was persistent and worked diligently and to meet the needs of her students.

“Jane also served on the building’s Equity and Access team.  The team was responsible for collecting and analyzing data on our school community which was comprised of students, staff, and parents. Data included demographics, climate surveys, state test scores, and classroom assessments.  Once the data was analyzed the team developed a research based plan of action that included goals and objectives; resources needed; activities; timelines; and assessment parameters.  Jane was a productive and passionate member of the team, making insightful and perceptive contributions to both the process and the implementation of the plan.

“Jane’s knowledge of curriculum and instruction, her work ethics, and passion for equity and access will be true assets to her work on the Bellevue School District Board.”

“I endorse Jane Aras for Bellevue School Board. It is rare a former classroom teacher and current parent is willing and able to serve in this role.

“Jane has so much to offer a community I know well. She has expertise in special education and both personal and professional experience with both culturally-responsive practice and equity across race and ability.

“Her personal life story has given her the skills necessary to be a bridge-builder, which is a necessary role in this season of the district’s development.

“I believe Jane will be an incredible asset to the team Bellevue has established.”

“The reach of strong School Board members can be both broad and deep. The people who occupy those positions need to possess the ability to provide moral and ethical clarity to help solve infinitely complex and complicated issues students face in their day-to-day school lives. Equity, and the extent to which the district needs to remedy inequities, is one such area. I believe Jane Aras brings such clarity and the courage needed to ensure equity and racial equity is weaved throughout district policy, teaching and learning, and curriculum development to provide access and support to those students farthest from educational justice.

“I have known Jane for several years and have found her to be a thoughtful advocate for Bellevue students, especially for those who are most vulnerable within the school system. Her leadership is crucial in the coming years as the school district works to ensure more equitable academic, social, and emotional outcomes for all Bellevue School District students.

“Jane’s experience is especially relevant for the demands placed upon the School Board. She is a parent of a child who not only qualified for the gifted program, he started attending the University of Washington in what would have been is sophomore year in high school. She has also served a Special Education teacher and has a deep understanding of the struggles students with disabilities face on a day to day basis. Lastly, she has served on numerous district committees that dealt with issues of equity and equality. Jane listens to people, she asks thoughtful questions, and she does not hesitate to stand up for those students who most need an advocate in the school system. Her vast experience in areas that are most important for the district at this moment in time make her the strongest candidate for Bellevue School Board moving forward.

“I received my doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Washington and currently work as an Assistant Professor of Education at Pacific Lutheran University and thus, I have some expertise with education and educational policy. The reach of strong School Board members can be both broad and deep. The people who occupy those positions need to possess the ability to provide moral and ethical clarity to help solve infinitely complex and complicated issues students face in their day-to-day school lives. Equity, and the extent to which the district needs to remedy inequities, is one such area. I believe Jane Aras brings such clarity and the courage needed to ensure the current equity policy is implemented with fidelity and the intent with which it was written.”

“As a former student of Jane’s – a beneficiary of her tireless and creative work to generate opportunities for early exposure in computer coding and math skills alike, it is without question in my mind that she is far and way the best candidate I could ever imagine to serve the Bellevue Schools.

“All can agree that education is truly the great equalizer – access to a safe, healthy, and vibrant place to thrive is paramount to the future of our children.

“Unfortunately, creating and cultivating that for all is no easy task. I’ve seen it done well and likewise very poorly  in many of the different educational settings I’ve found myself as a part of, but believe that Bellevue finds itself now in a place where we are particularly poised to serve our students and families incredibly well by placing Jane Aras into this position as an advocate and actor for the good of all our students.

“She’s excelled in creating curricula and opportunities for gifted students like myself who could never have enough to do in a classroom, but also in her service of children and families in disadvantaged communities. She has thrived as a special ed teacher, a gen ed teacher, and is an exceptional evaluator of the strengths and weaknesses notable in each and every one of these environments.

“I’ve seen firsthand her unmistakable passion, care, and deliberate action to leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of educational opportunity, health and well-being of students. Perhaps extremely notably, as pressures mount on all of our students in so many different and ever-changing ways – the challenge of addressing mental health concerns in schools becomes ever more daunting even as I look back only a few years and see that things look much different than they did not too long ago.

“I know for a fact that there is nobody better than Jane to think about this and all other things in the systematic and holistic fashion that will serve all of our students well.”