Mitchell Elementary fourth grade teacher Scott Arrowsmith was born and raised in California. He completed his undergraduate degree and teaching program at California State University, Northridge. He has spent his entire professional life working with elementary-aged students. His first job was at a before- and after-school program. In 2021, he moved into pandemic learning recovery, providing small group intervention. He then completed his student teaching and has taught full-time since 2024.
Arrowsmith lives with his wife and their four cats and two dogs.
Principal Samantha Cucu says Arrowsmith prioritizes student voice, choice, belonging, and success in his classroom.
“He works to foster collaboration and is a champion for the growth and success of the new Mitchell Elementary School,” she says.
What inspired you to become an elementary school teacher?
Besides both of my parents being teachers, I was inspired during high school. After getting my first job as an after-school camp counselor, I realized I enjoyed working with elementary-aged children and decided to become a teacher.
What do you enjoy most about teaching fourth grade in particular?
I love the challenge of the curriculum. The math curriculum, in particular, starts preparing them for middle school, so the jump can be challenging but very rewarding once students begin to understand the skills. I also love the independence, it allows me to do more small group teaching, along with more small group and partner work. The students love working with each other, and it gives them the possibility to practice that skill.
What are some of the biggest academic and social changes you see in students during fourth grade?
The biggest academic challenge in 4th grade is, as I say, “the training wheels are coming off in 4th grade.” The jump is big, and the supports start to fall off. However, all the students are able to rise to the challenge and become more independent learners. The social aspect doesn’t change much; these kids still very much act like kids. They really start to learn how to handle disagreements in social situations on their own, which is a big skill to learn.
How do you create a classroom environment where every student feels welcomed, supported, and ready to learn?
I spent the first 2 weeks of school really working on building a classroom community. I do a lot of teamwork games and activities, like building puzzles together, STEM activities, and team games to promote working together. I intentionally create groups and keep friends separate so students can build working relationships with their classmates. I focus heavily on kindness and treating others the way you want to be treated, and reinforce those ideas all year.
Any tips for classroom management?
Firm but fair. My favorite classroom quote that the students will get sick of is “You are free to choose, you are not free from the consequences of your actions.”
Your Mitchell classroom is a three-room suite, with two fourth-grade classrooms connected by a shared collaborative space, which is a model for new construction within the district. How have you liked this new module?
I enjoy sharing a collaborative space. We view this as an extension of our classroom. Both 4th-grade classes can use the space to allow students to find more flexible seating that suits them as learners. It also promotes sharing spaces and supplies. It allows me to spread my students out and create quieter spaces for learning to occur. I will have spent two years in this space by the end of the year, and I am very excited to try new things all the time with the flex space. This year, we combined classroom libraries in the flex space to free up more classroom space.
What is one lesson, project, or classroom tradition that your students particularly enjoy?
We started new traditions last year and intend to make them full-time. To tie into our last Arts and Lesson module, we take a visit to Comerica Park and get a private tour to cap off our unit on the Negro Leagues. We also do a modular BBQ to celebrate the end of the year.
How do you make reading, writing, math, and other core subjects engaging for a wide range of learners?
I like to make those core subjects engaging and fun by tying everything into a project or end-of-unit activity that isn’t always a test. I like to give students the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of certain skills through means other than standardized tests. I also like to incorporate games, activities, and small-group work to keep students engaged and promote academic conversations.
What do you hope students remember most about their fourth-grade experience?
I hope that students will remember that they can do hard things. I also hope that they remember their times tables!
What is something your students might be surprised to learn about you?
Students might be surprised to learn that I have a brick outside Angel Stadium in California with my name on it!
Outside of school, what do you enjoy doing to relax, recharge, or spend time with family and friends?
I enjoy lifting weights at the gym. Trying to cook new meals for my wife. Taking my dogs to the dog park. I am also a part of the Ann Arbor Men’s Baseball League and spend most of my summer and early fall playing in that.
How do you spend your summers?
I enjoy going to nearby lakes, swimming, playing baseball, and heading to Comerica Park to watch the Tigers play, especially when the Los Angeles Angels are in town.
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