Meet Aaron Bowen | 8th Grade Educator & Social Media Influencer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aaron Bowen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aaron, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
My work life balance has definitely changed over the last 2 years. During February of 2022, my first teaching video on social media went viral. Two years later, I have been blessed to accumulate over 750,000 followers across social media platforms. This has been life-changing, and has definitely effected my work life balance. It seems as though my work life extends beyond work because of my following, being that I am often recognized by different supporters that reference me as “That teacher from TikTok”. I often think about the balance by ensuring that my social media work does not negatively influence or take away from the teacher I was before gaining small amount of fame. I found the key to maintaining that balance is staying true to myself, and always remembering the reason why I became a teacher.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Being a 27 year old, African-American educator is one of the main aspects that sets me apart from other in my profession. Black, male educators make up only 2% of educators nationwide. In addition to this statistic, I like to think of myself as a non-traditional teacher. Growing up, I remember most of my teachers were older adults that I couldn’t quite relate to as much due to the age barrier. I find that relating to my student is fairly easy, but I remain distinguished in how I carry myself as a professional. Some education staff loved to see a new style of teaching, while some believed my style and delivery to be too radical. I found education to be non-contingent upon one specific teaching style, but rather that there is multiple ways to leave a lasting positive impact on a student. My success in the field and of my students encouraged me to overcome these social barriers and continue to innovate education with my non-conventional style. I truly just want the world to understand that regardless of a teacher’s social standards, as long as the kids are the priority, success can be achieved

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Firstly, I would take them downtown Fayetteville, where they could choose from multiple spots with great food choices and the culture of the city can be displayed here. Personally, I believe it really isn’t necessarily the attractions that a place has to offer, but rather the interactions with the people there, which truly makes the experience enjoyable. I would bring my friend to meet my family at one of our gatherings which happen often. Nevertheless, some places that I would be sure to escort my friend to are as follows: First Watch, Waffle House, Archway Burgers, Fried Turkey Shop, JJust Because Kitchen, Walk-ons, just to name a few of my favorites. Lastly, if we are in season, the Fayetteville Woodpecker’s games are great to check out also!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My high school, Bal Perazim Christian Academy, is well deserving of a shoutout, as this school was the place that I was able truly come into my own and learn most about myself. From school administration, to the teachers, to just the overall environment that cultivated so much growth in my life. The mentors and friendships that I gained here are still enduring currently.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaron.isaiah_/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aaron.isaiah24

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aaron.zay?_t=8Wbuirzv1BK&_r=1

Image Credits
Collyn Strothers