Why do you want to be a teacher in Philadelphia?
I wanted to move out of New York, but wanted to hold on to the same metropolitan aspects. I want to teach because I understand the importance and essential role that a teacher has in a child's development and I know how much teachers have influenced me over the years.
What are your career goals?
I want to teach for a few years and became a better and more experienced educator. In the future I would love to be a Dean of Students.
How do you respond to feedback and/or constructive criticism?
I try to incorporate the feedback after I am evaluated.
What would you tell a school leader about your strengths or unique qualities to differentiate yourself from other candidates?
I am a very good public speaker, I have a good classroom presence and I am good at managing students.
What are you passionate about, both personally and professionally?
I really enjoy teaching, It gives me an opportunity to engage with and educate people. I would love to advance my career in teaching!
Do you have previous teaching experience?
Yes, I taught for one year at Success Academy.
Do you have previous experience working with children or students?
Yes, I taught for one year at Success Academy and worked at Boys Club of NY, Uncommon Charter High School.
Why do you want to be a teacher in Philadelphia?
I began tutoring when I was 15 years old and discovered I have a passion for teaching. I love seeing students’ eyes light up when they understand new concepts. I want to teach in Philadelphia because I have grown fond of it over my years at the University of Pennsylvania.
What are your career goals?
My career goal is to have a job where I positively impact children's education. Teaching fits that very well. In the distant future, I may feel that I can have a bigger impact in an administrative role, but right now I want to work with and educate children directly.
How do you respond to feedback and/or constructive criticism?
First, I respond with questions. I want to understand the criticism and why it is impactful and important. Secondly, once I see the feedback’s usefulness, I find places where I can put it into practice.
What would you tell a school leader about your strengths or unique qualities to differentiate yourself from other candidates?
I have a lot of diverse teaching experience. I have tutored young children, adults, immigrant students, students with language barriers, and students above and below grade level. I know that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to teaching and have the experience necessary to navigate different educational needs.
What are you passionate about, both personally and professionally?
Educational equality. My parents are immigrants and do not understand the US educational system. My counselors were overwhelmed with students, and I missed out on opportunities I didn’t know were available then. I want everyone to not only have access to educational resources but to know and understand them.
Do you have previous teaching experience?
At 15, I tutored kids in my neighborhood. Then, I volunteered as a teacher assistant at an adult learning center (mainly ESL) and an elementary school. At 16, I worked at a tutoring center. At college, I volunteered at a tutoring center for students who are the children of immigrants.
Do you have previous experience working with children or students?
I worked with children between 14 and 18 as a farm crew leader. We did farmwork in the morning and career and college readiness workshops in the afternoon. I also worked at a children’s museum meant for kids ages 0-12. I facilitated their STEAM programming.
Why do you want to be a teacher in Philadelphia?
Being a teacher in Philadelphia allows me to contribute to TFA’s mission of addressing educational equity. I believe that every child can learn and would love to be the person who makes a positive impact in these children's lives. I also have an unwavering passion for teaching, along with my connection to the community.
What are your career goals?
My career goal consists of climbing the ladder of the teaching career in order to eventually become a principal or even own my own school. I know for sure that I would like to remain in a school environment long term.
How do you respond to feedback and/or constructive criticism?
I respond to feedback and/or constructive criticism with an open mind and a willingness to learn and improve. Acknowledgment, reflection, and action are my personal approaches to feedback. I also express gratitude in order to show how I will use the feedback to make me better.
What would you tell a school leader about your strengths or unique qualities to differentiate yourself from other candidates?
I would tell a school leader that I possess adaptability, cultural competence, strong communication skills, and a simple passion for student growth. I'd like to show my worth as a candidate who is capable and committed to improving the lives of children and the school community in general by emphasizing these special traits and strengths.
What are you passionate about, both personally and professionally?
Personally I am passionate about individuals expressing their creativity because I believe that shows who they truly are. Professionally I am passionate about teaching and education. My motivation comes from a desire to use education to uplift and empower children, develop their capacity for critical thinking, and contribute to a better society.
Do you have previous experience working with children or students?
Yes
Did you attend any portion of your K-12 education in Philadelphia County?
I attended Walter D Palmer Leadership Learning Partners Charter School, and Simon Gratz Mastery Charter.
Why do you want to be a teacher in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia is a large city with colonial roots and a rich and dynamic history that is conveniently located between my hometown and Washington D.C. where I have friends and family. I have visited several times and am looking forward to living and working here.
What are your career goals?
I want to develop my skills as an educator. I believe that preparing for my certification test has improved my understanding of developing curriculum and teaching and I am looking forward to starting my teaching career. With my background in Fine Arts, I would love to one day become an art teacher.
How do you respond to feedback and/or constructive criticism?
I accept all feedback and/or constructive criticism positively and with the understanding that it is offered to improve my skills and the quality of my teaching.
What would you tell a school leader about your strengths or unique qualities to differentiate yourself from other candidates?
I believe my greatest strength is my adaptability. I am a routine-oriented individual; however, I am willing to make changes where necessary to improve my skill set or adapt to my environment.
What are you passionate about, both personally and professionally?
I am very passionate about artistic expression. I love sharing that joy with other people through my artistic knowledge and my own personal drawings. I often do figure drawings and paintings when I am not working.
Do you have previous experience working with children or students?
I work as a part-time Track and Field Coach with Middle and High School athletes. I instruct my athletes in a variety of events, as well as, encourage them in their athletic goals and pursuits.
Did you attend any portion of your K-12 education in Philadelphia County?
No.
Why do you want to be a teacher in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia's rich history and diverse community present an exciting opportunity to connect with and empower children, contributing to the city's educational growth and cultural vibrancy. Being close to my cousins and their kids adds a personal dimension, amplifying my commitment to contribute meaningfully to Philadelphia's educational landscape.
What are your career goals?
My career goal is to evolve into an influential educator, eventually blending my psychology and sustainable development background. In the future, I would like to go back to school for psychology research.
How do you respond to feedback and/or constructive criticism?
I value feedback as a catalyst for growth and actively seek input from colleagues and mentors. If I agree with the feedback, I take immediate steps to implement the suggested changes. If I disagree with the feedback, I would engage in a constructive dialogue, seeking clarification on the specific concerns raised.
What would you tell a school leader about your strengths or unique qualities to differentiate yourself from other candidates?
One of my greatest strengths is staying calm during stressful or unexpected situations. Further, I have a proactive attitude, strong communication skills, and high emotional intelligence. These are vital for working with children, their parents, and in a school environment.
What are you passionate about, both personally and professionally?
Personally, I am passionate about children and their well-being. Professionally, I love psychology and early childhood development. I want to empower children to thrive academically and socially.
Do you have previous teaching experience?
Yes, I am currently an Early Childhood Development Teacher at Manhattan Ismaili Center in New York where I teach a 2 hour class once a month.
Do you have previous experience working with children or students?
Yes, in addition to teaching, I have been a babysitter and nanny for children 1-8 years old and tutored high school students across subjects. My experiences with different ages and cultures have helped me to connect with and support children across various circumstances.
Did you attend any portion of your K-12 education in Philadelphia County?
No.
Why do you want to be a teacher in Philadelphia?
I am inspired to be a teacher in Philadelphia, a city with diverse communities and cultures, to make a meaningful impact on students and contribute to efforts focused on achieving educational equity. I want to learn more about the challenges, like funding disparities and infrastructure, in the Philadelphia education system.
What are your career goals?
After my commitment as a Corp member for TFA, I hope to pursue a Master’s degree and a career in Public Policy. I will use my experience as a teacher to inform my future policymaking decisions and better understand how current education policy is failing children, teachers, and school districts.
How do you respond to feedback and/or constructive criticism?
I believe feedback and constructive criticism is a valuable opportunity for self-improvement. I welcome feedback and healthy communication to understand potential shortcomings and areas of improvement and how to address these. In other words, I respond well to feedback and value different perspectives and experienced educators.
What would you tell a school leader about your strengths or unique qualities to differentiate yourself from other candidates?
I would tell a school leader that I lead all my interpersonal and professional interactions with kindness and patience. I would also explain that I am an open-minded and curious individual who is passionate about learning from different experiences, challenges, and people.
What are you passionate about, both personally and professionally?
Access to quality education has been one of my greatest privileges, so I am passionate about learning and education. Specifically, I am passionate about working in a field that makes a social impact and works toward achieving educational equity.
Do you have previous experience working with children or students?
I have experience working with children. Specifically, in high school, I regularly babysat two children, an eight-year-old and a two-year-old. Although I was a high schooler, I still value this experience because I built a close relationship with the children and parents and impacted their development.
Did you attend any portion of your K-12 education in Philadelphia County?
No.
Why do you want to be a teacher in Philadelphia?
I want to be a teacher in Philadelphia because my passion for the community, familiarity with the area and my ability to connect with the children in the community. According to statistics more than 50% of children in Philadelphia are being raised in a single-parent household in low-income areas. Personally I grew up in a low-income single-parent household. Where I was not given or provided with the same resources as my peers and a lot of things which caused me to take on a lot of responsibility at a young age. I believe that I will be able to advocate and contribute to the development of programs to help those who are put at a disadvantage due to their SES.
What are your career goals?
My career goal(s) consist of attending graduate school to obtain my PsyD and then pursuing a career in adolescent psychology whether that be in a school, hospital, detention center and so on. Once I have obtained my doctoral degree I plan on combating the current issues regarding mental health within marginalized communities.
How do you respond to feedback and/or constructive criticism?
I respond to feedback and/or constructive criticism by acknowledging, listening, evaluating, and reflecting. I believe that in order to grow you have to be willing to accept criticism whether it be negative or positive. In this profession, criticism will allow you to improve which will not only be beneficial to you but also the students you serve.
What would you tell a school leader about your strengths or unique qualities to differentiate yourself from other candidates?
The strengths/unique qualities that differentiate me from other candidates is my willingness to learn/grow, my compassion, and my passion for cultural integration. During my undergraduate career, I had the opportunity to participate in my university's World Scholars Program. Which is a four-year integral global comprehensive program that requires you to study abroad as a freshman and a junior. During my time abroad I gained a new perspective on my life's purpose and personally, I believe it is to serve and build up the next generation.
What are you passionate about, both personally and professionally?
I am personally and professionally passionate about child development and contributing to the pressing issues surrounding racial injustices that are happening within the education system. I believe that we the children are our future and it is our responsibility to equip them with the proper knowledge and care so that they can instill that into future generations.
Do you have previous experience working with children or students?
Yes, I am currently employed at an alternative boarding school in Washington D.C. Prior to this I worked at an inpatient psychiatric facility on the adolescent unit. Before embarking on these jobs I was employed at my local YMCA as a camp counselor and then eventually moved up to Camp Unit Director.
Why do you want to be a teacher in Philadelphia?
I want to be a teacher in Philadelphia because it is the first step in my career of helping children and making a difference in their lives. As someone with a passion for both working with children and education, I plan to utilize all available tools to provide a quality education for my students, while building connections that hopefully last for years to come. Passion and compassion are two attributes a successful teacher displays, and I look forward to sharing mine with future students. Philadelphia is a hub for networking, as well as opportunities for both teachers and students alike. I consider it an amazing location to begin making a difference in the education community.
What are your career goals?
Aside from teaching, I aspire to become a school psychologist and help students who are struggling, often alone. My personal experience with school psychologists allowed me to realize the lack of support students can receive in schools. I have wanted to enter a helping profession for as long as I can remember.
How do you respond to feedback and/or constructive criticism?
I respond positively to feedback and constructive criticism. I am aware that any criticism I receive is not to hurt my feelings, it is to benefit the way I am doing things to ultimately benefit those around me. For example, feedback about my teaching would be taken positively, and I would quickly make changes to my teaching style in order to meet the needs of more students.
What would you tell a school leader about your strengths or unique qualities to differentiate yourself from other candidates?
My strengths include organization, attention to detail, and time management. I am a hard worker who puts every bit of effort I have into everything I do. I find it hard to rest when things are not up to my standards, and ensure I am always putting my best foot forward.
What are you passionate about, both personally and professionally?
Personally, I am passionate about equal rights, animal cruelty, and gender differences in the workplace. Professionally, I am passionate about education quality, creating connections with students, and ensuring my work is the best I can provide. Outside of that, I enjoy doing hair and makeup, Broadway shows, and tennis!
Do you have previous teaching experience?I completed a "Tomorrow's Teachers" course during my time in high school, though the COVID-19 pandemic cut it short, and I never experienced the full course. I currently work as an Assistant Teacher at Tutor Time Childcare and Learning Center in Wilmington, DE.
Do you have previous experience working with children or students?
I currently work at Tutor Time Childcare and Learning Center in Wilmington, DE, as an Assistant Teacher. I have years of babysitting experience, as well as summer camp counseling.
Why do you want to be a teacher in Philadelphia?
I grew up in Philadelphia and know the deeper structures that affect the school system, no matter the type or location within the area. I will always cherish the diversity of my classrooms in school and in my experiences throughout the city. I’m excited to learn from the students as much as I will be their teacher and supporter.
What are your career goals?
I’d like to utilize my passions for social justice in a career focused on urban social and economic development. My desire to work in the classroom right now stems from my desire to work with people, especially children, and make immediate change in the field I’m in.
How do you respond to feedback and/or constructive criticism?
Feedback from peers and those close to me is what drives me to better myself, though I am still learning to accept it more openly. I often turn to others for advice and to apply outside perspectives to decision-making, personal and professional relationships, academic work, etc. I have found that feedback can come from the way you see yourself in those around you, and is applied positively when you learn to critique yourself the same way you critique others.
What would you tell a school leader about your strengths or unique qualities to differentiate yourself from other candidates?
I have always felt a unique connection to children and those I mentor/teach. My ability to communicate and empathize with people and adapt to their needs has allowed me to foster deep connections with others, wherever I am. Friends and family admire my attention to their needs over my own, finding a way to connect and apply my own experiences to guide them through decisions and problems.
What are you passionate about, both personally and professionally?
I am passionate about human interactions and the diversity of cultures, behaviors, and relationships in our society. I find that I learn and grow most when I’m surrounded by new people and places, and it’s a goal of mine to make a career out of doing so.
Do you have previous experience working with children or students?
My summers in high school and at the beginning of my college career were spent lifeguarding, teaching swim lessons, and being an overnight camp counselor for eight weeks. My experience as a camp counselor involved sleeping in a bunk with/taking care of 12 campers at night and in the morning, and teaching swim and waterski lessons to campers of all ages during the day.
Did you attend any portion of your K-12 education in Philadelphia County?
I attended William Penn Charter School.
Why do you want to be a teacher in Philadelphia?
I am motivated to be a teacher in Philadelphia because I’m committed to educational equity and have a deep desire to nurture students' learning interests and capabilities. I want to demonstrate to students that they deserve a high-quality education by fostering a sense of community and resilience in the classroom. "
What are your career goals?
Within the next five years, I would like to enroll in a graduate program where I hope to pursue education policy. Informed by experiences of the day-to-day operations and complexities of K-12 education, ultimately, I want to devote my career to pursuing educational equity in the policy sector.
How do you respond to feedback and/or constructive criticism?
I value feedback and constructive criticism as opportunities for personal and professional growth. When I receive feedback, I make a conscious effort to listen, understand their perspective, and reflect on expressed concerns to apply them to tangible action steps. Then, I proactively seek follow-up conversations to ensure continued improvement.
What would you tell a school leader about your strengths or unique qualities to differentiate yourself from other candidates?
I would like to emphasize my blend of experiences and passion for education. As a graduate of Detroit Public Schools, I understand the challenges and difficulties encountered in inner-city education, as well as the student experience. From those experiences, stems my passion for educational equity and access for all students.
What are you passionate about, both personally and professionally?
I am passionate about resource access and cultural awareness. Through membership in a multicultural sorority, I was able to further foster these passions and develop transferable skills such as organizing and facilitation. Here, I became exposed to cultural diversity and planned programming to meet the needs of historically underrepresented communities.
Do you have previous teaching experience?
During the summer of 2022 and 2023, I worked as a course assistant for a college-level race and ethnicity writing course. My responsibilities included developing comprehensive, student-informed lesson plans and leading student-centered workshops. Here, I developed my facilitation and mentorship skills in and out of the classroom.
Do you have previous experience working with children or students?
During the winter semester of 2024, I took a practicum on child development and childcare which entailed employment in the university’s childcare center. Here, I worked in two and three-year-old classrooms. My role consisted of facilitating conflict resolution and activities with the goal of emotional and social development.
Did you attend any portion of your K-12 education in Philadelphia County?
No.
Why do you want to be a teacher in Philadelphia?
I want to be a teacher in Philadelphia because I believe that minority representation in education settings, especially in developmental years such as K-8, is incredibly important to developing well-rounded classes of kids and providing appropriate incentive to attend class!
What are your career goals?
My career goals are to focus on non-profit, public sector work mainly in education and eventually, sustainability work. Long-term, I hope to work for an international organization to utilize my bilingual Spanish fluency and my education background for Environmental Studies and apply that to a sustainability-focused job.
How do you respond to feedback and/or constructive criticism?
I respond to feedback and/or constructive criticism by being very intentional in how I listen to understand someone's criticism, rather than listening to respond. I take that constructive criticism and effectively apply that feedback to whatever areas of my life that may apply to.
What would you tell a school leader about your strengths or unique qualities to differentiate yourself from other candidates?
My strengths around project management and meeting facilitation throughout my time at Regis University in a sustainability-focused work study position has prepared me to stand out from other candidates, especially in the manner that I conduct myself in and the leadership skills I already possess. Additionally, my years at Regis University have been marked by service work at local community organizations in Denver, which differentiates me from other candidates as my rich background in service work and community engagement prepare me for the diverse people I will have the opportunities to meet in my position.
What are you passionate about, both personally and professionally?
I am passionate about conservation and environmental stewardship, both personally and professionally. Professionally, my work with Regis University as a Sustainability Lead has taken a unique focus on sustainability and community engagement, where student engagement and providing opportunities/resources for students were hallmarks of that experience. Personally, I have a passion for backpacking and camping, going as far back to my experiences as a Girl Scout where I taught younger girls certain curriculum around backpacking with the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Backpacking Council.
Do you have previous experience working with children or students?
I do have previous experience with children! Throughout high school (2016-2020), I engaged in the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Backpacking Council, where I helped to create and facilitate curiculum surrounding principles of backpacking, conservation (Leave No Trace, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), and general ecosystem processes (Water Cycle, etc).
Did you attend any portion of your K-12 education in Philadelphia County?
No.
Why do you want to be a teacher in Philadelphia?
I want to be a teacher in Philadelphia because I have a deep passion for uplifting and supporting children and families of underserved populations. I genuinely want to make a lasting positive impact that can allow students to love learning, appreciate their community, and grow into well-rounded and successful individuals.
What are your career goals?
My goal for the near future is to become a well-established teacher who can create a connected and engaging environment in my classroom. I believe that teaching is a profession where learning consistently happens, and a goal of mine is to feel comfortable and established in that role. In the far future, I plan to go back to school to get an additional degree in the Children's Psychology realm. Overall, I want to better the well being of children and families across the country
How do you respond to feedback and/or constructive criticism?
I respond very well! I tend to focus on what I could do to better myself and my skills and keep in mind that constructive criticism is necessary for growth! In the moment, I usually ask questions about the criticism to get a clearer understanding of what the statement is referring to and what could be altered. Over time, I take that criticism and test out new ways in which to address it. I truly want to hear how I could be better from a variety of perspectives, and sometimes I seek out constructive criticism.
What would you tell a school leader about your strengths or unique qualities to differentiate yourself from other candidates?
I would tell the school leader that my strengths lie in my ability to adapt, my unwavering motivation, and my dedication to personal and professional growth. As someone who has been placed in a variety of classrooms with many different needs, abilities, and layouts, I've been able to learn how to best meet those needs of the students. I feel that I do very well in differentiating my instruction as well as student engagement, which is one of my priorities in my lesson plans. I also value strong relationships with my students, which in turn has made me better with classroom management and collaboration.
What are you passionate about, both personally and professionally?
Personally, I am very interested in the environment and art. I love learning about and caring for plants, going on hikes, and educating myself about environmental science. I also really love making art, so much so that I earned a studio art minor in college. I mostly enjoy drawing, painting, and crocheting.
Professionally, I am very passionate about the wellbeing of children and families, particularly in underserved populations. I love learning about complex social situations and helping out where it is needed. I genuinely hope that I can make my students feel safe, understood, and confident in themselves.
Do you have previous teaching experience?
Yes! I am about to complete my degree in Elementary Education at the University of Central Florida so I have completed two internships. My first internship was in a 3rd grade classroom and at a children's hospital and my second internship was in a departmentalized 5th grade math and science classroom. I have also volunteered in numerous schools in my area, focusing on elementary and pre schools.
Do you have previous experience working with children or students?
Yes! I have been a substitute teacher for 6 months.
Did you attend any portion of your K-12 education in Philadelphia County?
No.
Why do you want to be a teacher in Philadelphia?
What are your career goals?
How do you respond to feedback and/or constructive criticism?
What would you tell a school leader about your strengths or unique qualities to differentiate yourself from other candidates?
What are you passionate about, both personally and professionally?
Do you have previous teaching experience?
Do you have previous experience working with children or students?
Did you attend any portion of your K-12 education in Philadelphia County?
Why do you want to be a teacher in Philadelphia?
l would like to be a teacher in Philadelphia because I want to help children realize and/or reaffirm their love of learning as well as help them create a healthy relationship with school.
What are your career goals?
Thus far, my career goals include earning my Master's of Education to be able to teach at every major age level, and to become an advocate for lifelong learning.
How do you respond to feedback and/or constructive criticism?
I welcome all feedback and constructive criticism with an open mind and heart. I consider feedback to be quintessential to the teaching occupation because it is a job in which you learn everyday. Therefore I try to implement any constructive criticism I receive so I can improve as an educator.
What would you tell a school leader about your strengths or unique qualities to differentiate yourself from other candidates?
I am able to connect with students and build relationships quickly which in turn helps me provide individualized support for students where/how they need it most. This alongside my energy in the classroom that my students often feed off of, helps me stand out against other educators.
What are you passionate about, both personally and professionally?
I am extremely passionate about sustainability, I love tying in facts about environmental issues/causes, when applicable, into lessons during class. I also love trying to bring my personal passion for books and for reading into the classroom to bolster students' curiosity and desire to learn.
Do you have previous teaching experience?
I've been a substitute for the DC Public Charter School system since March 2023 and have been a teacher's assistant at the Russian School Erudite since 2017. As a substitute, I have worked in classes of varying subjects and ages ranging from pre-kindergarten all the way through eighth grade.
Do you have previous experience working with children or students?
I've been working with children since 2017 at the Russian School Erudite in various classrooms/extracurriculars and am currently a substitute teacher.
Did you attend any portion of your K-12 education in Philadelphia County?
No.
Why do you want to be a teacher in Philadelphia?
I want to teach in Philadelphia because I have close ties to the community and want to give back to the populations who need it most.
What are your career goals?
I want to attend law school and pursue a career in public interest law and educational reform.
How do you respond to feedback and/or constructive criticism?
I welcome feedback and constructive criticism because both are essential parts of a growth mindset. As a division I athlete, I take feedback from coaches and teammates every single day and respond by using it to make me better.
What would you tell a school leader about your strengths or unique qualities to differentiate yourself from other candidates?
As a division I athlete, I have developed a unique skill set. I can time manage extremely well and prioritize what matters. I have an incredible work ethic and ability to solve problems creatively. I am also a leader and excel at communicating.
What are you passionate about, both personally and professionally?
I am passionate about helping others. Before my grandfather died, he urged me and my cousins to pursue public service during our careers and ever since then it has been a passion of mine. I am specifically passionate about helping kids, which I do on a regular basis through volunteering and coaching lacrosse.
Do you have previous teaching experience?
N/A, but six years of coaching experience.
Do you have previous experience working with children or students?
Six years of coaching experience with kids ranging from 6 -18 years old. Coached teams as well as individuals.
Did you attend any portion of your K-12 education in Philadelphia County?
No.
Why do you want to be a teacher in Philadelphia?
I was born, raised, and grew up attending schools in Philadelphia, so I want to honor my roots and give back to the community that raised me by teaching in Philly schools.
What are your career goals?
Although I am still unsure of my long-term career goals, as for short-term goals, I intend to build a strong foundation for a career in education by beginning as a classroom teacher.
How do you respond to feedback and/or constructive criticism?
I strive to do my best work, so I am always open and willing to receive feedback and/or constructive criticism. I view feedback and/or constructive criticism as opportunities for growth and reflection, rather than setbacks.
What would you tell a school leader about your strengths or unique qualities to differentiate yourself from other candidates?
I have a strong ability to form close connections with students by gaining their trust and allowing them to express themselves freely. I am also able to utilize my background in psychology to better understand the socioemotional development of children and adolescents and how this manifests in the educational setting.
What are you passionate about, both personally and professionally?
I am passionate about youth mentoring and educational equity. I aspire to contribute to the mission of providing access to a quality education for students in under-resourced communities and fostering the idea that everyone can achieve success no matter their background or circumstances.
Do you have previous experience working with children or students?
Yes.
Did you attend any portion of your K-12 education in Philadelphia County?
I attended Universal Creighton Charter School (formerly Thomas Creighton Elementary School) (K-8), Central High School (9-12)
Why do you want to be a teacher in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia is culturally diverse; and I strongly advocate for all students to receive an equitable education. I want to immerse myself in the various communities where students reside, deepening my understanding and appreciation of their unique backgrounds. As a educator in Philadelphia, I aim to integrate my personal experiences into the educational landscape, potentially offering valuable representation within these educational settings.
What are your career goals?
To meet each student at their individual level and equip them with the resources and tools necessary to pursue their interests and pathways to succeed beyond the classroom setting.
I also aim to enhance my teaching abilities by actively engaging in the process of learning and unlearning educational systems, their curricula, and inherent biases, all through a culturally responsive lens.
How do you respond to feedback and/or constructive criticism?
I listen to understand feedback. I usually ask clarifying questions or additional resources to improve professional and personal skills.
What would you tell a school leader about your strengths or unique qualities to differentiate yourself from other candidates?
As an Asian-American and disabled individual, prioritizing inclusion, diversity, and a sense of belonging is important within and beyond the classroom environment. I actively listen to comprehend the motivations behind individuals' behaviors and ideas, so I can better meet students where they are. I firmly believe that every space presents an opportunity for students to flourish and achieve success.
What are you passionate about, both personally and professionally?
Professionally, being able to work and learn from diverse students has been my passion. To observe and witness growth in all aspects of a child's life within a school year is heartwarming. Drawing from my personal interests in the arts, literature, and spoken word poetry, I aspire to nurture student learning by encouraging them to express their unique voices and creativity.
Do you have previous teaching experience?
Yes, I was a 3rd grade student teacher at the Seattle Public Schools during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. I was also a lead teacher for head start preschool classroom for a non-profit organization that supports students holistic development.
Do you have previous experience working with children or students?
Yes, I have worked with diverse children and students. I'm currently working as a program supervisor at a Before-and-After school program that supports students through a S.C.A.L.E.D. (stem, career connection, arts, literacy, education, and diversity and Global learning) curriculum.
Did you attend any portion of your K-12 education in Philadelphia County?
No.
