Educational assistant and part-time musician named November’s Pita Pit Teacher of the Month

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — An educational assistant (EA) has been named November’s Pita Pit Teacher of the Month, even if she says she isn’t “technically a teacher.”

Freedom Thinkers Education’s Darla Newth said the recognition came as a surprise, but it’s something she’s grateful for.

“I love what I do, and so that makes it very much worthwhile,” Newth told Energeticcity.ca. “I hope that I do a good job, but sometimes you’re not sure.”

Newth has been an EA for her career, spending seven years in the public school system before joining Freedom Thinkers eight years ago. 

While she isn’t “technically” a teacher, her work at the private school looks a little different from a traditional EA role; she even oversees PE classes.

Her path into education began much earlier, sparked by her own children.

“When my children were younger and going to school, I volunteered a bit,” she explained. “Pretty soon I was working as a lunch monitor, then I was in a classroom and then it just kind of escalated from there.”

Newth grew up on a farm in Rose Prairie and has lived in the region her entire life. According to her Freedom Thinkers bio, she’s raised two teenagers, coached sports and has always felt drawn to working with young people.

“Working with young people is absolutely wonderful; it is rewarding to watch them grow, learn and build confidence,” her bio reads.

Outside the classroom, Newth keeps just as busy. She plays in a family band called Me and the Boys (originally The Gary Loewen Band), which performs for seniors’ groups and fundraisers; works part-time for the City of Fort St. John as a recreation instructor; and teaches skating lessons and children’s camps.

Her nomination said Newth does an “amazing job.”

Congratulations to Darla Newth, November’s Pita Pit Teacher of the Month.

The monthly event is part of Moose Media and Pita Pit Canada’s mission to honour teachers in the community. Each month, the winner receives a $100 gift card and is highlighted in an article on Energeticcity.ca.

Anyone looking to nominate a teacher who deserves recognition can do so here.