Our Employee of the Month is Jose Valle from California!
Mr. Jose has really set himself up to be the MVP! Whether it’s helping with homework, having meaningful conversations with his students, or his infamous sports club- Mr. Jose has every grade excited to come to Apollo. His students are always ready and excited for his friendly yet competitive dodgeball, soccer, and hockey games that leave parents thrilled with listening ears as their children get picked up. Jose is a fun and charismatic educator, and we are so lucky to have him!
Jose, 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 Jose below:
- Who are you, where do you come from, where are you going?
My name is Jose Valle. I live in West Covina, California. I’m an educator at Monterey Highlands.
- How long have you been teaching with Apollo?
I’ve been teaching at Apollo for almost 8 months.
- What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since you started teaching? The most valuable lesson that I have learned in teaching is by helping others makes a difference.
- How do you motivate your students to succeed?
The way I motivate my students is by praising them and telling them how great they are doing and the good things that they will have if they keep up the great work.
- If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
I would love to be the flash. Be super fast and be able to go anywhere fast.
- What is your most memorable memory from your time as an Apollo instructor?
My most memorable memory is making a handshake with one of the kinder kids. Her name is Kimz. She also wrote me a letter saying thank you for always pushing her in the swing.
- If you could retire tomorrow and never have to worry about money again, what would you do with your time?
I would volunteer as a soccer coach and help young athletes become better and also open up a gym so kids have somewhere to go instead of doing things they’re not supposed to do.
- What’s your go-to technique for dealing with ‘handful students’?
Making them feel welcome, and by making sure I know attention getters to get their attention without it being too annoying.
- What is an unusual place you have been to?
I have been too a little cave up in Claremont. It’s nothing too crazy.
- Do you have a talent that not many people know about?
I try to use all my talents on the daily, but I don’t have a secret one.
- What’s your #1 teaching tip?
Have patience and make sure you show up with energy and not tired or sad. Kids see the way you are and they will react to how they see you.
- What’s your favorite classroom Attention Getter?
Water fall water fall. And they say shshshshsh.
- What is something interesting that you’re involved in, outside of Apollo After School?
I play for a soccer team and I also sometimes train teens to get better at soccer.
- How do you spend your summer breaks?
I spend my summer breaks by going to the beach, and playing lots of soccer. I like to get together with my family and plan small trips.
- Star Wars, Star Trek, or they’re both lame?
Star Wars!!
- What do you like most about working with Apollo?
The thing I like the most and how the entire program is made for kids to improve in school and make sure they get the best grades possible.
