Justin Mitchell

Began at Teachwell:

 2025

Why did you choose this field?

I choose this field because of the passion I have for helping others. I love the feeling of watching students succeed and reach their goals.

What did you think you were going to be when you grew up?

I actually always wanted to be a teacher, just like my grandfather. I thought he was the coolest, smartest, most patient man I've ever known.

What or who most inspires you?

I would say one of my biggest inspirations would be my mother. She worked tirelessly my whole life to support me and my five siblings. She made sure we got to our many activities and sports, made sure we always had food on the table, while all the while encouraging and supporting us to be our best. My mom is my hero.

Why Teachwell?

Outside of a love for educating and teaching students with special needs, I decided to apply at Teachwell because of the countless times I have heard amazing things from some close friends that are employed here. I also immediately got a sense of family and belonging as soon as I walked through the doors to the building. Forever grateful for the opportunity!

What are you proudest of?

I'd say I am proudest of the move I made out to South Dakota. Moving to a completely new place, halfway across the country, with no friends or family was an amazing experience for me. I was able to meet some of the most amazing people and also learn a lot about myself in the process. Its turned out to be one of the greatest decisions I've ever made.

How do you hope to make a difference?

I truly hope to make a difference by not only positively contributing to students' lives, but contributing to the lives of fellow staff as well. I plan on doing this by remaining open, honest, and as a teacher to constantly be open to being a student myself. I want to learn from those around me to give the students we work with the best quality of life and chance of success.

What lessons has your work life taught you?

Time management and being able to embrace even the smallest of victories. I've learned some of the best lessons about balance and delineation of time through my professional experience. I have also learned that sometimes the work we do is not always seen or acknowledged but even the smallest victories are worth celebrating and that makes it all worth it.

What is your background? Experience, degrees, skills, etc.?

I am originally from Mays Landing, a small town in New Jersey. Growing up, I played just about every sport you could think of, with frequent visits to the beach and boardwalk with friends. I attended Widener University after High School and graduated in 2017 with a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education/SPED. I've worked in a few different special education schools such as the Elwyn School and Aspira Bilingual Charter School outside of Philadelphia, PA. In addition to teaching, I'm also a CrossFit coach at two locations here in Sioux Falls.

People would be surprised to know that I . . .