Our Employee of the Month is Shakira Noristz from New Jersey!
Shakira has shown tremendous growth over the past year. She was promoted to Site Director in January and given the opportunity to be Co-Camp Director, after displaying strong leadership skills. She has earned the respect of the staff and understands what it takes to run a great program.
Shakira, thank you for being such an outstanding employee and teacher.
To show our appreciation for your dedication and hard work – please check your email this week for a special gift from us.
Check out our interview with Shakira below:
- Who are you, where do you come from, where are you going?
Hi! My name is Shakira Noristz. I was raised in Kearny, NJ and studied childcare in school. I am passionate about education, and my goal is to specialize in instructional leadership and eventually become an educational specialist.
- How long have you been teaching with Apollo?
I have been with Apollo for almost 3 years now, and I’m looking forward to the 2025-2026 school year.
- What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since you started teaching?
Since I’ve started teaching, the most valuable lesson I’ve learned is the power of connection. When you build a connection with the students, they start feeling safe, seen and supported; that is when they become more open to learning.
- How do you motivate your students to succeed?
I motivate my students to succeed in the same way I would do for myself. I not only talk to them, but I help them understand what success can do for you. I try my best giving them the vision they want to pursue. Even when there’s battles, once you get through it, you can do anything.
- If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
I think a cool superpower to have would be to fly. I would get the greatest views, and be able to travel wherever, whenever.
- What is your most memorable memory from your time as an Apollo instructor?
I have a few good memories as an instructor in Apollo. It definitely is hard to just choose one. I guess I can say I loved being able to help and support all the kids and teachers that ever came to me for anything. We created a happy and healthy environment and that’s something we all need.
- If you could retire tomorrow and never have to worry about money again, what would you do with your time?
Retiring tomorrow and never having to worry about it again would be amazing! I’m very into fitness; so, it would give me so much time to get back to that and nutrition. *Health is wealth* I’d also love to help others and keep myself involved with the community.
- What’s your go-to technique for dealing with ‘handful students’?
My go-to technique is usually to have an eye-to-eye conversation. I like to get to the students’ level and ask them questions; try to understand their situation and find ways to help them. Something that makes them feel comfortable, safe and heard.
- What is an unusual place you have been to?
I’d say the Jungle in South America because you won’t ever really find yourself going there, but it was an amazing experience.
- Do you have a talent that not many people know about?
I like playing the piano.
- What’s your #1 teaching tip?
Never stress yourself out more than you need to. Sometimes all you need is a deep breath to gather your thoughts and make any situation better. Your energy is everything to the students’ environment.
- What’s your favorite classroom Attention Getter?
At Apollo, I usually like to grab the kid’s attention with ‘1,2,3 all eyes on me’ or ‘if you can hear me clap once, clap twice, clap three times.’
- What is something interesting that you’re involved in, outside of Apollo After School?
I train at the gym here and there. I am a certified trainer so whenever I get the chance, I help people or friends out.
- How do you spend your summer breaks?
I usually work summer camps during the summer, but when I get the chance, I like being at the beach or in nature, hiking.
- Star Wars, Star Trek, or they’re both lame?
To be completely honest, I haven’t watched either.
- What do you like most about working with Apollo?
Apollo has been awesome from day 1. It definitely gave me the opportunity to grow, and I would like to continue. I’ve learned and done so many new things for the kids that we’ve never had growing up. I myself have a lot of fun doing the enrichments with the students.
