“She’s a really good teacher,” said the third-grader on his way out of the STEM class at New Haven Elementary School, one of two schools in the district that have a teacher dedicated to teaching a STEM class.
On this day the kids were learning about magnets and the power they have to move things — like a battery scooting through a maze that students built out of cardboard.
“You take the wand and move it in the maze like this,” said Kiarra Vasquez-Frazer, a fourth-grader who was teamed up with Kamarie Hollins.
Both girls said they love science because of their teacher.
“I want to work for NASA,” said Hollins.
Vasquez-Frazer can also see herself at NASA, maybe even as an astronaut.
“The students we have coming to STEM class not only like it because of the cool things they get to do but because of the teacher,” said Robert McCabe, principal of New Haven Elementary.
Teachers of Tomorrow is a national alternative teacher certification program. After graduating with her bachelors degree in psychology and criminal justice Conwell decided to pursue her teachers certificate and has been teaching aspiring scientists and engineers since 2021. New Haven Community Schools offers a STEM class at its elementary and middle schools.
“Aryanah has started the STEM program from the ground up, creating her own curriculum for developmental kindergarten to fifth grade, all while going between two elementary schools in the district,” said Lynn Fennell, who nominated Conwell for the award. “Aryanah focuses on awakening the scientist in all her students by using hands-on-labs often, especially empowering girls in science to keep them engaged and challenged in such an underpopulated field.”
Teachers of Tomorrow operates in several states nationwide, recognizing the brightest new educators through its Teacher of the Year competition. The program celebrates teachers nominated by school principals and ToT field supervisors. State winners receive a $500 award for classroom supplies and professional development.
“The first few years for a new educator can be immensely challenging and incredibly rewarding,” said Heath Morrison, CEO of Teachers of Tomorrow, which is celebrating 20 years of excellence in 2025. “We honor the dedication and determination shown by educators enrolled in our programs. Aryanah Conwell is transforming lives in the classroom with their unwavering commitment to Michigan students and the teaching profession.”
Conwell has 850 students between two schools but has still managed to build a relationship with each pupil while also fostering a STEM community within each school. This includes after-school-programs such as Girls in Coding, Lego Robotics and Underwater Robotics.
“She is a dedicated member of the New Haven team, consistently seeking innovative ways to ignite student interest in STEM and STEAM,” said Cheryl Puzdrakiewicz, superintendent of New Haven Community Schools. “Her hard work ensures that students not only succeed in hands-on learning experiences but also find genuine enjoyment in the process.”
As for Conwell she reflected on the rewards of her profession.
“Teaching is such a rewarding career to have. You get to see change happening right before you,” said the young teacher, who graduated from L’Anse Creuse High School in 2016.
Sometimes things in a STEM class can appear a little crazy but it’s really organized chaos fueled by enthusiasm.
“I think she’s a great teacher,” said Ryan Thomas. “She’s helping me with my new invention.”
As Michigan’s winner, Comwell will now advance to the National Teacher of the Year competition, where the ultimate winner, chosen by public vote, will receive a $5,000 prize. Voting ended on April 18 with the national champion being announced during Teacher Appreciation Week May 5-9.
Comwell said she not only appreciates the award but the teaching position that she’s been given.
“I’m the only one (STEM teacher) for our district but there are some districts that don’t have any STEM classes,” Comwell said, noting that winning the award validates what she does. “All of the hard work that I put in for the students and the school has paid off.”
©2025 The Macomb Daily, Mount Clemens, Mich. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
