Teacher Feature: Emily A.
Regular feedback from Emily’s students make it clear that she’s doing something right: her students always seem to grow their skills and confidence quickly under her wing, and we’re proud to count her as one of our amazing educators at Pacific Prep.
A colleague says: “Emily’s strengths derive from how she embodies empathy, critical thinking skills, and a growth mindset. These strengths significantly impacted the confidence of her students, both socially and educationally. Beyond that, her curiosity to understand her students as individuals is exemplified in her energetic, thoughtful, and encouraging demeanor.”
About Emily
Emily graduated with honors from the University of California, Santa Cruz with a degree in history and a minor in economics. She is currently pursuing a single-subject teaching credential in social sciences at CSU Long Beach.
Emily has extensive experience in education. She has worked as an aide for people with learning differences, coaching life and study skills. She has also worked with AmeriCorps and CityYear, teaching in a fourth and fifth grade classroom supporting students’ academic success in all subject areas. She also served as a one-on-one tutor for several years.
Emily is a thoughtful educator who deeply cares about student growth and differentiates instruction to each student’s individual needs. When Emily isn't working with students, she can likely be found trying new recipes or reading.
Q & A with Emily
When did you start teaching and why?
I started tutoring professionally when I was 16! Then in college, I worked with adults with developmental disabilities teaching life skills. After graduating, I joined the Americorps City Year program, where I taught along with an experienced teacher in a fourth and fifth grade classroom, learning “the ropes” of being a successful teacher. And now, I of course work with students one-on-one and I love it. I’ve always gravitated naturally toward teaching as I love being able to work directly with others and have the opportunity to support another person’s growth and learning.
What’s your favorite subject to teach and why?
My favorite subject to teach is history, because for me, teaching history gives me the opportunity to make deep connections with my students and their communities. History also allows me to teach students historical thinking skills that allow them to think critically about the information they work with both in and out of the classroom, which is an important life skill.
What do you enjoy most about teaching with Pacific Preparatory?
My favorite part about teaching with Pacific Preparatory is the ability to work one-on-one with students. I’ve found that I am able to quickly form lasting relationships with students when working with them as individuals. I can utilize the relationship formed with my students to make lessons and assignments so much more meaningful and tailored to what matters most to them.
Can you tell me about a specific time when you saw a student thriving at Pacific Preparatory?
One time, one of my students started our semester really lacking in self-confidence, especially as related to the child’s math skills. Throughout the semester, we were able to build up a great rapport, and in turn, this student put in an incredible amount of work (sometimes even asking for extra homework!). By the end of the semester, the academic growth was amazing--the student was able to answer complex multi-digit division and multiplication problems with ease. Their confidence shot right up! It was truly amazing to be able to be a part of that students’ growth and success.
What are your top 3 book recommendations in your subject area?
For history, I really like Golden Arches East by James L. Watson; Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney, and Fear: A Novel of World War One by Gabriel Chevallier.
What is your favorite activity to do outside of teaching?
When I’m not teaching I love to be outside! I like to bike along the beach where I live and I also love hiking with friends and family. Additionally, I spend a lot of time reading fiction and trying out different recipes.
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