First-Year Teacher Lands Dream Job in Former Classroom

When Ariana Ortega was a student at Crestridge Elementary, she used to imagine what it would be like to have a classroom of her own.

Years later, that dream has become a reality. Ortega is beginning her first year as a teacher in the same first grade Dual Language classroom where she was once a student.

“It feels like I’m back home,” said Ortega. “It’s really heartwarming getting to set up and put my desk where my own first grade teacher had hers.”

Not only is the room familiar, but so are the faces. Ortega is also working alongside her former first grade Dual Language teacher, Amanda Dowling.

“I recall Ariana being a sweet and quiet student in my Spanish classroom,” said Dowling. “I’m so proud, and I want to tell everybody that she was my student all those years ago and now she’s my partner teacher.”

Ortega says first grade was one of her most memorable years. She remembers learning how to tell time and count money, but what stands out most is how Dowling and her other teachers made her feel about learning.

“I fell in love with school, truly in the first grade,” she said. “Mrs. Dowling was always super enthusiastic about what she was teaching, and that sticks with you. Because as a student, your teacher being excited about what they're teaching you, it helps you learn the content.”

Ortega’s path back to Crestridge Elementary included the Teacher Scholars Academy (TSA) at the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO). The partnership with Omaha Public Schools offers students scholarships and prepares them to become future educators in our district.

“Omaha Public Schools has a great partnership with UNO,” said Dowling. “It's super important for Omaha to encourage young people to be interested in education, and I think Ariana is a result of that interest and love for teaching.”

Ortega hopes to create the same excitement for her students that Dowling once did for her.

“If a student walks into a classroom where the teacher is always greeting them at the door with a smile, they’ll be ready for learning once they get inside,” said Ortega. “I want my students to feel safe, welcome and excited for learning.”

Dowling is excited to watch Ortega begin her teaching career.

“I look forward to having many years teaching alongside Ariana and making memories with her now as an adult,” said Dowling. “She’ll keep me young.”

Fifteen years after sitting in the same classroom as a first grader, Ortega is ready to welcome a new group of students, this time as their teacher.