Our Employee of the Month is Felisha Maddie from Chicago!
Felisha has been an amazing addition to the recess and after care team the last two school years. She is dependable, she is a leader, she is a team player, and she is always willing to help – going above and beyond to make the program a success! Felisha is so gentle, kind, loving, and giving to all students and staff.
Felisha, 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 Felisha below:
- Who are you, where do you come from, where are you going?
Hello, my name is Felisha Maddie. I am from the south of Chicago and hopefully I will be going back to school to finish off with my bachelor’s degree to become a teacher.
- How long have you been teaching with Apollo?
I have been with Apollo for 2 years – I started back in September of 2023.
- What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since you started teaching?
Working with small children and even big children patience is the key. You have to be very patient and understanding with each child and I believe that’s why most children adapt to me. I am patient with them, and I understand them.
- How do you motivate your students to succeed?
Creating a positive learning environment for them and making learning relevant to their interests and goals.
- If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
My superpower would be to fight for teachers to make more money. Teachers are the most valuable people around the world and sometimes we don’t get recognition for it.
- What is your most memorable memory from your time as an Apollo instructor?
My most memorable memory with Apollo is showing up for work and seeing those beautiful faces light up when I walk into the building saying to me “Hi Ms. Felisha” we miss you” that right there I could never forget.
- If you could retire tomorrow and never have to worry about money again, what would you do with your time?
I would travel the world and help children who are in need on the way.
- What’s your go-to technique for dealing with ‘handful students’?
My go to technique first would be to build a positive relationship with the student, secondly creating a safe and respectful environment where the students feel comfortable around me to communicate what’s going on with them and figure out a plan to help them.
- What is an unusual place you have been to?
Garfield Park Conservatory located in Chicago.
- Do you have a talent that not many people know about?
Yes, I love to sing, and I do it on my free time. I grew up singing in the church.
- What’s your #1 teaching tip?
Being organized and consistent. It’s hard to teach when you have chaos and don’t have a scheduled plan. Children love consistency.
- What’s your favorite classroom Attention Getter?
1,2,3, all eyes on me.
- What is something interesting that you’re involved in, outside of Apollo After School?
Spending time with my own children and during fun activities that they enjoy doing. I also love to binge watch movies and hang around the house doing absolutely nothing.
- How do you spend your summer breaks?
I typically find a summer job and work. I also go visit my dad in Dallas Texas for a few weeks. My children and I enjoy the water so the beach day or a water park is always up for us to do.
- Star Wars, Star Trek, or they’re both lame?
Definitely Star Wars.
- What do you like most about working with Apollo?
What I like most about working with Apollo is how great of a team I have. My coworkers and team leaders are awesome. I couldn’t have finished the school year without them. I truly appreciate them so much. Also, I want to add the children at each site bring me so much joy. When I was having a bad day all I had to do was show up to work and just like that my day was better. Thank you, Apollo, for everything 🙂
