MiaAriela Allen brings 28 years of dedication to education at Place Bridge Academy, where she serves in two vital roles: Middle School Newcomer Teacher and Senior Team Lead (STL). Her experience spans international teaching, work in nonprofit equity to support equitable access for multilingual language learners and various roles within DPS.
After a period away from DPS, MiaAriela was motivated to return to the classroom by the students. "Watching these students find their voice and graduate from high school reminded me of why I wanted to return," MiaAriela said.
Today, MiaAriela is focused on supporting Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE), teaching English Language Development (ELD), literacy and math, while also coaching fellow educators. For this work, she was recently named the 2025 recipient of the Virginia French Allen Award for Excellence in Teaching by the Colorado Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (CoTESOL) for excelling in classroom instruction and demonstrated creativity in developing materials or programs of instruction.
MiaAriela’s philosophy centers on ensuring her newcomer students feel seen, heard and welcomed every day. For her, student success transcends assessments, rooted instead in students finding their voice, becoming self-directed learners and demonstrating a willingness to take risks with new concepts and language.
To achieve this success, her instruction is deeply Personalized. She tailors learning experiences to students' unique needs and rich lived experiences, making content both accessible and engaging, and creating a learning environment that feels more meaningful and personal.
Her entire approach is built on three daily commitments, which she encourages all educators to embrace:
Welcome Every Student: Intentionally learn about students' lived experiences so they feel valued and safe. As an example of this commitment, MiaAriela conducts a home visit with every newcomer student to truly understand their motivations and background.
Challenge Appropriately: Meet students where they are, then gently encourage them toward the next step, ensuring tasks are rigorous but accessible.
Encourage Risk-Taking: Create a classroom culture where curiosity is celebrated and students feel free to ask questions and try new ideas without fear of judgment.
MiaAriela stresses that when students consistently feel welcomed, challenged and cheered on, they are positioned to thrive. Her students are active participants in this process, even offering honest feedback on lessons.
"Their insight is always welcome, refreshing and honest!" she said.
Thank you, MiaAriela Allen, for your dedication to creating Personalized and welcoming learning environments that help our newest students thrive and find their voice!