Educator Awards Spotlight: Janis Campbell-Aikens
Janis Campbell-Aikens is the Puget Sound ESD 121 Regional Classified School Employee of the Year and is the Executive Director of Child Nutrition Services at Auburn School District
We’re sharing the wisdom of our incredible regional and state Teachers and Classified School Employees of the Year, in their own words. Find more on our Spotlight page.
What do you think is the most important part of your job?
The most important part of my job is envisioning ways to improve our child nutrition programs within our regulatory parameters, collaborating with stakeholders to create solutions, and problem-solving to ensure effective delivery of services.
What have you been reading, listening to, or watching over the past year that you would recommend?
Doughnut Economics by Kate Raworth. The book presents a model of economics that changes the goal from continuous growth to thriving in balance. She proposes a social foundation which supports the basic needs of life for all and an ecological ceiling to safeguard earth’s life-sustaining systems. Between the social foundation and the ecological ceiling is the space where humanity can thrive. Seven creative shifts in thinking support her re-envisioned economy. I found this book fascinating–well worth reading for re-framing ideas that place social justice and sustainability as imperatives in an economic system.
What is one local, state, or national education issue that you think more people should be thinking/talking about?
People should be thinking and talking about the importance of providing equal access to school breakfast and lunch to all students and eliminating any barriers or stigma for students to participate and benefit from school meal programs. School meals are healthy and support student health, development, and academic success.
When did you decide to work in education and what sustains you professionally?
I learned about careers in school nutrition services when I was in college. It seemed like the perfect combination of food service and wellness coupled with the creative energy of kids. I am sustained professionally by the knowledge that each day my work directly impacts the health and academic success of the students in my district. Before Covid, we served over 5,000 breakfasts and 9,000 lunches each day, and we are expecting higher numbers in September. Finding ways to improve our program and better support our students keeps me motivated.
What do you wish more people knew about your job?
My job is fast-paced and exhilarating! There are so many things to do and learn. It blends culinary arts, food science, nutrition education, adult education, child development, cultural food practices, communication, and marketing. It is interesting, constantly changing, and challenging work. I am very grateful for the opportunities and experiences.
Learn more about the Teacher and Classified School Employees of the Year on the Educator Awards website.
