Our Employee of the Month is Cleopatra Robinson from Washington D.C.!
We are proud to celebrate Ms. Cleopatra Robinson, Lead Teacher for our 3rd and 4th grade scholars at Two Rivers 4th Street Apollo Afterschool, as our Educator of the Month. Ms. Cleo has been a part of the program since day one and has made a tremendous impact through her experience, wisdom, creativity, and deep passion for working with youth. Her classroom is a space where students feel empowered to think critically, express themselves creatively, and build confidence, belonging, and pride in who they are. Recently, I walked into her classroom and was immediately greeted by students excitedly saying, “Ms. Melissa, you have to hear our rap!” They proudly formed a circle and performed a creative rap they had written together—an example of the joy, teamwork, and self-expression Ms. Cleo fosters every day. Her students adore her, her colleagues hold her in high regard, and the entire Two Rivers community is better because of the positive impact she makes in the lives of our scholars.
Cleopatra, 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 Cleopatra below:
- Who are you, where do you come from, where are you going?
I am from Va. Beach, VA. I was a DC public school teacher for 27 years. I am a double alumnus of Howard University.
- How long have you been teaching with Apollo?
I have been an Apollo Educator for three years.
- What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since you started teaching?
My valuable lesson learned is that children are caring and compassionate human beings who bring great insight and creativity to the classroom environment.
- How do you motivate your students to succeed?
I motivate my students by giving them positive feedback and congratulatory remarks on the good that they do in terms of behavior and an arts and crafts project.
- If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
My preferred superpower would be the ability to overcome any problem or physical obstacle of force.
- What is your most memorable memory from your time as an Apollo instructor?
My most memorable moment as an Apollo instructor was when my students participated in a sharing activity in which they shared what they admired about each other.
- If you could retire tomorrow and never have to worry about money again, what would you do with your time?
If I could retire, I would devote my time to voluntary efforts in my community, increase my workouts, and write a book about my teaching career.
- What’s your go-to technique for dealing with ‘handful students’?
An unusual place I’ve been to was not unusual but rather magnificent–an art museum dedicated to the surrealist artist, Salvador Dali.
- Do you have a talent that not many people know about?
My unknown talent is musical. I play the piano and flute.
- What’s your #1 teaching tip?
My #1 teaching top is to make learning interesting and fun.
- What’s your favorite classroom Attention Getter?
My favorite classroom Attention Getter is to ask, “Guess what?”
- What is something interesting that you’re involved in, outside of Apollo After School?
Outside of school, I am involved in community work for the less fortunate that involves food distribution and toiletries.
- How do you spend your summer breaks?
During the summer, I journal, speed walk, continue community work, and work at summer youth camps.
- Star Wars, Star Trek, or they’re both lame?
Star Wars and Star Trek are great for those who are scientific and budding astronomers.
- What do you like most about working with Apollo?
What I like about working with Apollo is the relationships I have established with my students and their parents.
