Our Employee of the Month is Myriam Bauer from New Jersey!
Myriam is an amazing teacher who consistently goes above and beyond for her students. She can often be found cooking with her students or introducing them to different foods to try, and her classroom is filled with hands-on creative activities such as building robots and making keychains.
Her creativity, dedication, and genuine care for the children she works with make a lasting impact every day. She truly deserves this recognition.
Myriam, 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 Myriam below:
- Who are you, where do you come from, where are you going?
I’m Myriam – originally from Germany, briefly Canadian (sorry!), currently Jersey-fied, and about to become Luxembourg-bound. I collect accents, time zones, and good stories.
- How long have you been teaching with Apollo?
I’ve been teaching with Apollo since last year – and I’m absolutely loving it!
- What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since you started teaching?
That kids see the world in the most wonderfully unexpected ways – their creativity constantly surprises and inspires me!
- How do you motivate your students to succeed?
I cheer loud, celebrate small wins, and never underestimate the power of a good high-five! I also love showing kids that mistakes aren’t dead ends – they’re often just detours to an even better solution.
- If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
The ability to speak every language fluently – imagine the conversations (and the snacks I’d discover)!
- What is your most memorable memory from your time as an Apollo instructor?
Watching shy students find their voice, seeing kids light up when their own ideas take shape, and celebrating those “aha!” moments together – pure magic!
- If you could retire tomorrow and never have to worry about money again, what would you do with your time?
I’d become a full-time storyteller – traveling the world, gathering tales, and using them to spark curiosity in young minds. Because there’s no better way to explore than through a great story!
- What’s your go-to technique for dealing with ‘handful students’?
I lean in with curiosity, not control. A handful student often has the best energy – I just help them channel it! Humor, choices, and a quick “brain break” usually work wonders. And if all else fails, we take it outside for a reset!
- What is an unusual place you have been to?
A tiny cottage in the Scottish Highlands where I got spectacularly lost. The owner made tea over an open fireplace, chickens and a goat wandered through the living room, and after a mysterious home-cooked meal, he drove me back to civilization on a bull’s wagon.
- Do you have a talent that not many people know about?
I can guess a person’s favorite ice cream flavor with surprising accuracy – it’s my useless superpower!
- What’s your #1 teaching tip?
Meet them where they are – not where you expect them to be. Be open-minded, stay creative, and always see the whole kid, not just the student. Find their spark, then fan the flame!
- What’s your favorite classroom Attention Getter?
I just start doing something unexpected – balancing a book on my head, sudden jazz hands, or quietly starting to craft something intriguing. Curiosity wins every time! Or sometimes just wait.
- What is something interesting that you’re involved in, outside of Apollo After School?
I’m raising three little adventurers! We go on fairy hunts in the woods, dig for dinosaur bones in the backyard, and run a serious operation collecting donations for local fox rescues.
- How do you spend your summer breaks?
I chase “firsts” – new places, new foods, new experiences. Last summer we loaded up the RV (cat, dog, kids and all!) for Mount Rushmore with zero planned stops – pure chaos and joy. This year? Firsts look like arriving and settling into our new home in Luxembourg. New country, new adventures, same wild crew! Just soaking up life and making memories!
- Star Wars, Star Trek, or they’re both lame?
Star Trek all the way – beam me up! But don’t be fooled: I’ve watched Star Wars so many times with my kids, I could quote Wookiee. Live long and prosper… and may the Force be with you!
- What do you like most about working with Apollo?
The dream team I get to work with and my amazing Apollo kids!
