Our Employee of the Month is Samantha McCorkle from Chicago, IL!
Samantha consistently demonstrates what it means to be a dependable and dedicated team member. She is hardworking, reliable, and always willing to adjust and adapt to meet both the needs of the school and the children in her care. She does an exceptional job of balancing her own needs with the needs of the program, approaching changes with a positive attitude and a willingness to find solutions that work for everyone.
One of Samantha’s greatest strengths is her communication. She is proactive in keeping leadership informed, communicates effectively with her team, and makes sure that concerns, needs, and successes are shared appropriately. Her reliability and communication help create consistency and stability within her space and contribute to the overall success of the program.
Most importantly, Samantha is genuinely passionate about the children she works with. She takes the time to understand their individual needs and interests and creates an environment where they feel supported, engaged, and excited to participate. She brings creativity and enthusiasm into her program, making it adaptable, fun, and meaningful for the children.
Samantha’s dedication goes beyond simply completing her responsibilities. She truly cares about the quality of the program, the experience of the children, and the success of her team. Her positive attitude, flexibility, dependability, and passion make her an invaluable member of our staff.
Samantha, 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 Samantha below:
- Who are you, where do you come from, where are you going?
I am Ms. Samantha, I come from greatness and that is my destination!
- How long have you been teaching with Apollo?
I’ve been with Apollo for over a year now
- What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since you started teaching?
The most valuable lesson I’ve learned perseverance never goes unnoticed.
- How do you motivate your students to succeed?
I love being transparent with them and letting them know I also make mistakes. Whenever they want to learn something new, I remind them everyone has to start somewhere! With practice you can learn anything!
- If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
The power to heal and change anyone’s bad day into a great one!
- What is your most memorable memory from your time as an Apollo instructor?
I drew a birthday card for a student with their favorite Scooby Doo character. They were so happy I remembered the birthday and showed off the card to everyone all week. It made me smile that it made that students’ day and I hope they never forget it.
- If you could retire tomorrow and never have to worry about money again, what would you do with your time?
Move my family and I to a farm where we can self-sustain. Animals land, fruit, vegetables etc. Enjoy the outdoors while also enjoying the amenities of our big home 😉
- What’s your go-to technique for dealing with ‘handful students’?
Bring myself to their level, find a way to compromise, or find out why they may be a “handful” at the time. That is just a way of communicating for some children.
- What is an unusual place you have been to?
A camp called “House in the woods”
- Do you have a talent that not many people know about?
Yes! I can draw
- What’s your #1 teaching tip?
Always find a way to connect with the student.
- What’s your favorite classroom Attention Getter?
“Clap once if you can hear me! Clap twice if you’re listening!” It’s tricks them so if you’re really listening you’ll catch on
- What is something interesting that you’re involved in, outside of Apollo After School?
I’m a retired hairstylist who takes clients from time to time.
- How do you spend your summer breaks?
With my children taking a family vacation.
- Star Wars, Star Trek, or are they both lame?
Lame 🙂 sorry
- What do you like most about working with Apollo?
The smart, talented, funny kiddos I get to bounce ideas back and forth with! Hear about their problems and help them come up with a solution. Learning everyday right with them! You’re never too old or too young to learn something new.
