Our Employee of the Month is Dakia Koon!
Dakia is simply amazing! From onsite operations to administrative duties, she proactively completes tasks, and is always willing to assist wherever needed. Her ability to manage both her personal and Apollo duties is admirable, and we are so grateful to have her on our team!
Dakia, 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 Dakia below:
- Who are you, where do you come from, where are you going?
My name is Dakia Koon. Known to my Apollo family as Ms. K. I was born in Cheverly, MD and raised in Washington DC and the P.G County areas. Currently I am just going with the flow and living life to the fullest.
- How long have you been teaching with Apollo?
I have been a Director with Apollo for 1 year and 3 months.
- What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since you started teaching?
Every student is unique and different in their own way and embracing their individual personalities can sometimes help them grow and focus more.
- How do you motivate your students to succeed?
I hold high expectations for all of my students. I sit and have individual and group conversations with them to help me connect and understand their little minds and feelings. Understanding their thoughts and feelings help encourage them to set clear and achievable goals.
- If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
I would like to turn invisible.
- What is your most memorable memory from your time as an Apollo instructor?
My most memorable memory was when I first started with the program. Everyone welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like I have been there for years.
- If you could retire tomorrow and never have to worry about money again, what would you do with your time?
I would like to talk to the youth more (juniors and seniors in high school) and help them get ready for the adult world. We are not taught about life in school so I would want to be able to help guide them and teach them how to successfully maintain and make the right choices in life. I would also focus more on my business Himiko_Kre8tions and incorporate kids by allowing them to complete some community service hours to help them meet their volunteer hours.
- What’s your go-to technique for dealing with ‘handful students’?
I always use goal setting and incentives when dealing with a handful of students. All of my student’s love being rewarded for helping out, showing good behavior, etc., incentives are one way to help the students refocus.
- What is an unusual place you have been to?
None
- Do you have a talent that not many people know about?
I cheered in my younger days and I was a part of the dance team while in high school.
- What’s your #1 teaching tip?
I actually have 2; communicate and be organized.
- What’s your favorite classroom Attention Getter?
I love to use “1,2,3 All eyes on me!” This always gets the kids settled down and ready to listen.
- What is something interesting that you’re involved in, outside of Apollo After School?
Outside of Apollo I am a mother of two and a business owner of @Himiko_Kre8tions where we Kre8 while you celebrate!
- How do you spend your summer breaks?
Work never stops for me. I am always on the go even during summer breaks. During summer breaks I try to relax and spend as much quality time with my family and close friends as possible.
- Star Wars, Star Trek, or they’re both lame?
They’re both lame.
- What do you like most about working with Apollo?
I like the fact of knowing I can relocate outside of the DMV area and still work for Apollo. I like how the owner is very hands on with the program. I also like how they have an activity book tailored by grade level to help educators with their curriculum.
