Our Employee of the Month is Lekisha Nowling!
Lekisha was nominated for Teacher of the Month because of her extraordinary ability to plan and execute activities. Just this past month, Ms. Lekisha worked with her students to create a mural recognizing all of the Chicago athletic teams, which will be displayed in the school for years to come. She has built great relationships with students and families and arranged a farewell celebration in which Apollo families participated. We appreciate all the hard work and long hours she has put in to ensure the success of the program.
Lekisha, 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 Lekisha below:
- Who are you, where do you come from, where are you going?
Lekisha Nowling, I’m the Director at STEM Elementary School. I will be happily returning next year.
- How long have you been teaching with Apollo?
I’ve been with Apollo for 2 yrs.
- What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since you started teaching?
I have been teaching in elementary schools for the past 12 years and the most valuable lesson that I have learned with dealing with children of all ages is that all they ever want is to be seen and heard I take pride and providing a safe learning environment that’s fun for children, and providing them with the opportunity to be seen and heard.
- How do you motivate your students to succeed?
I praise them when they show integrity and kindness to others, as well as being kind to themselves. I encourage them to use their imagination and to never be afraid to speak their mind, and to speak up for themselves.
- If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
I would want to have the superpower of healing. I would heal those that are suffering from terminal diseases, and I would heal the world of hatred.
- What is your most memorable memory from your time as an Apollo instructor?
I have a lot of memorable moments while working with the children. One special moment was this year‘s kindergarten graduating class. I was able to show up for the graduation and all the kids were super excited and the parents appreciated the time I took out for the children in the program – they always motivate and encourage me to continue to do what I’m doing.
- If you could retire tomorrow and never have to worry about money again, what would you do with your time?
I would run a nonprofit organization for women and children who face homelessness, and I would provide them with educational classes, food assistance and everyday life, skill classes.
- What’s your go-to technique for dealing with ‘handful students’?
To listen and try to redirect the best way I can.
- What is an unusual place you have been to?
No where interesting yet!
- Do you have a talent that not many people know about?
I used to play the flute, and play the piano.
- What’s your #1 teaching tip?
To be honest with yourself, learn to designate responsibility amongst your staff, always be a listening ear to the children, and be honest with parents.
- What’s your favorite classroom Attention Getter?
123 all eyes on me, See you later alligator, and the McDonald’s jingle
- What is something interesting that you’re involved in, outside of Apollo After School?
I am passionate about feeding the homeless, and I run a youth camp at church.
- Star Wars, Star Trek, or they’re both lame?
I was born in the Star Trek era.
