After teaching ceramics at Amador for the last 20 years, it’s no wonder that Neil Bello is one of Amador’s most popular seniors with his very unique teaching style. He incorporates mindfulness and meditation into his ceramics curriculum and is a firm believer in staying active. This has led Bello to coach varsity and junior varsity sports like girls and boys golf, soccer, and lacrosse. Before his presence at Amador Valley High School, Neil Bello taught ceramics in San Francisco and in art programs in San Mateo. 

“The knowledge that I share has been refined over the years from refining my existence and looking as an artist on how to make teaching better, my life better, other people’s life better,” said Bello.

Bello hopes to help his students better themselves through his advice about life inside and outside of academics. Many students feel that this class has impacted them for the better and has taught them many skills in mindfulness such as meditation. 

During a conversation, Neil Bello expressed concerns about today and the age of growing up with technology, a world full of distractions.

“Learning how to take care of your own health and wellness should be more important,” expressed Neil Bello. 

 He believes this is what will help with the pressure kids face at school. For Bello, he proposes meditation as a great tool to help people focus their minds and show gratitude while engaging in it. He believes it is how people can truly grow. 

“Mr. Bello is honestly one of the most positive people I have ever met. He genuinely cares about all of his students and he is a great influence,” said Maddie Cowan (‘22). 

There is no question that Neil Bello does not try to make his students feel at home in his class. He revealed that he wants to be someone students could turn to. Many of them believe that he is one of the few teachers that has really tried to get to know his students, as well as create bonds with them. 

“I got armies of human beings every year that I try to make honest connections with, like they are my own children, they are my own family. Because we are all in this together,” Bello said, smiling.

It is apparent that Bello loves his job and that he wants to make a lasting impact on his students. He would not want to have any other job other than a teacher as it “comes natural to him.” 

“I have had the privilege to do something that I absolutely love and really don’t call it work. I call it purposeful service,” said Neil Bello.