Our Employee of the Month is Tedra Jackson from Ohio!
Tedra Jackson is the site director at Hilltop Elementary in Beachwood, Ohio. She began last year as an educator, and this year she has really stepped up as the site director and done an amazing job creating a fun, exciting, and inclusive community with her students.
She has incorporated a government system among her students using the Apollo civics club. And her students love visiting the Apollo store with Apollo bucks they earn throughout the week doing weekly kindness missions. Tedra goes above and beyond daily to make sure her Apollo students are engaged and encourages each of them daily to be the best they can be!
On top of all this Tedra has also done an excellent job working with her staff to create an amazing team.
Tedra, 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.
Check out our interview with Tedra below:
- Who are you, where do you come from, where are you going?
My name is Tedra Jackson. I am a mother of two young men ages 16 and 21. I am from Cleveland, Ohio. I am currently completing the dissertation process to receive my doctorate degree in Global Business Management.
- How long have you been teaching with Apollo?
I have been with Apollo for a year now.
- What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since you started teaching?
The most valuable lesson that I have learned since I started teaching is that there is no “cookie cutter” approach. Each individual students’ needs need to be considered in order to be effective.
- How do you motivate your students to succeed?
I motivate my students to succeed by keeping them encouraged using positive reinforcement and feedback.
- If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
If I could have any superpower, I would like the ability to teleport.
- What is your most memorable memory from your time as an Apollo instructor?
My most memorable memory from my time as an Apollo instructor happened during my time with Imagine Bella. I had been out for a few days and upon return the students bombarded me with hugs and various pictures and drawings they made for me in my absence. I still have them all.
- If you could retire tomorrow and never have to worry about money again, what would you do with your time?
If I could retire tomorrow and never have to worry about money again, I would spend my time growing fresh fruits and vegetables to distribute throughout my community.
- What’s your go-to technique for dealing with ‘handful students’?
My go-to technique for dealing with “handful students” is to show empathy by paying attention to their verbal and nonverbal cues. Most of the time, the children respond better when they feel like I am trying to understand them so I can help resolve the situation.
- What is an unusual place you have been to?
An unusual place that I have been to is kayaking thru the bioluminescent bay in Laguna Grande, Puerto Rico.
- Do you have a talent that not many people know about?
Yes, I can play the flute.
- What’s your #1 teaching tip?
My #1 teaching tip is to never stop learning. The more you learn, the more you can teach.
- What’s your favorite classroom Attention Getter?
My favorite classroom attention getter is to hold up the ‘zeros’. Once the students see the staff holding their fist in the air, it signifies to students that their voice should be at level 0, and they also hold their fist in the air.
- What is something interesting that you’re involved in, outside of Apollo After School?
I am involved in many interesting things outside of Apollo aftercare. I started Flowerbomb Tuesdays which is when we collect flower donations from local vendors and distribute them to nursing homes in the area. I also work with Doorway to College as an instructor, teaching high school students SAT/ACT test taking skills.
- How do you spend your summer breaks?
I spend my summer breaks traveling and spending time with my family.
- Star Wars, Star Trek, or they’re both lame?
I am probably the only person on the planet that has not seen either one.
- What do you like most about working with Apollo?
I like working with the kids and giving them life skills that they will be able to use throughout their lives.
