Our Employee of the Month is Whitney Niampa from New York!
Whitney runs an amazing program at her site. She comes in early to prep and stays late to clean. Everyday her activities are ready for the students and they’re always fun and engaging.
Her organizational skills are top notch, and she makes sure she’s always prepared and ready to work.
Most importantly, her kids absolutely love and trust her, which speaks volumes to the fact that she’s providing them with a safe, fun space where they actually enjoy coming every day. She has built strong relationships with not only the students and the school but the parents as well. They all have nothing but great things to say about her. She is really everything we would want a Site Director to be.
Whitney, 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 Whitney below:
- Who are you, where do you come from, where are you going?
I am Whitney, a 21 year old woman from Brooklyn, New York. I am African and Polish and am currently pursuing a degree in human services. I aspire to do social work or something to do with helping others in my career path.
- How long have you been teaching with Apollo?
I have been at Apollo for 2 years.
- What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since you started teaching?
The most valuable lesson I’ve learned since starting teaching is to work with the students. You’ll get more knowledge about what your students are into if you listen and work with them. Also, if they see you as a teacher and a friend it can build a better relationship.
- How do you motivate your students to succeed?
I motivate my students to succeed by presenting them a snapshot of what the end result may look like. I also let them know that whatever their biggest desire is they can achieve it with hard work.
- If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
To stop time.
- What is your most memorable memory from your time as an Apollo instructor?
When I had the kids sit in a circle and say their favorite part of their holiday break and a lot of students opened up and it became more of a vent and support circle. It brought us all closer together.
- If you could retire tomorrow and never have to worry about money again, what would you do with your time?
I would travel all around the world.
- What’s your go-to technique for dealing with ‘handful students’?
I like to do a fun group activity or dim the lights and have quiet time to calm the kids down.
- What is an unusual place you have been to?
An unusual place I have been to is Russia. It lived up to its stereotypical “mean” energy. My time there was not so pleasant.
- Do you have a talent that not many people know about?
I was a competitive dancer for over 5 years.
- What’s your #1 teaching tip?
My #1 teaching tip is to listen to your students. Just by listening you can learn so much about your kids, their likes, dislikes, favorite activities etc. and it can improve how you run the program. You can incorporate things they like and they’ll be more motivated to go to afterschool.
- What’s your favorite classroom Attention Getter?
I like to count down from 5 to 1 and the kids know to stop what they’re doing, eyes on me and to remain quiet.
- What is something interesting that you’re involved in, outside of Apollo After School?
I am a makeup artist.
- How do you spend your summer breaks?
I spend my summer breaks working and trying to squeeze in as many trips and spa days as I can.
- Star Wars, Star Trek, or they’re both lame?
I haven’t watched either.
- What do you like most about working with Apollo?
What I like most working with Apollo is the room for growth.
