Our Employee of the Month is Tiffany Braxton!
Tiffany has been a great addition to the Apollo team at Audubon East Elementary School. From managing the attendance procedures, to modeling best teaching practices, to creating professional development presentations, Tiffany has done it all. We are extremely proud and very happy to have her as the Senior Site Director.
Tiffany, 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 Tiffany below:
- Who are you, where do you come from, where are you going?
I am Tiffany Braxton, a native of Chicago, IL. I love challenging myself, setting ambitious goals, and watching them come to fruition. I foresee myself growing and thriving at anything I do.
- How long have you been teaching with Apollo?
I have been a Senior Site Director at Apollo for a little over 2 months.
- What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since you started teaching?
The most valuable lesson I have learned since I started teaching is that it is best to have a plan. Plans help me stay prepared and save time because I know what I have to do in advance. Planning keeps me on-task and structured which helps me stay proactive instead of reactive.
- How do you motivate your students to succeed?
I motivate students to succeed by being enthusiastic. I provide individualized praise and encouragement often. I enjoy giving recognition for student involvement and contributions. I focus on highlighting student’s strengths, while building positive relationships that support their interests. I also believe in providing incentives to reward student’s efforts.
- If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
My superpower would be the ability to freeze time. I could use it to pause and recalibrate. Freezing time would be a handy way of getting more things done. Helpful to have if attending to someone in danger. It would also be fun to use to capture moments of joy and happiness.
- What is your most memorable memory from your time as an Apollo instructor?
During my time as a Senior Site Director at Apollo one of my most memorable moments was when we had our “Apollo World” carnival. Seeing all the students play games, smiling and having fun brought so much joy to my heart. 😊
- If you could retire tomorrow and never have to worry about money again, what would you do with your time?
If I could retire tomorrow and never have to worry about money, I would travel all around the world, relax and enjoy new adventures. I would have a wellness center helping people improve their physical and mental health. I would volunteer with various organizations dedicated to serving individuals and families in crisis.
- What’s your go-to technique for dealing with ‘handful students’?
My go to technique for dealing with ‘handful students’ is to use positive praise to help motivate them to stay on-task. Choosing my words wisely, instead of pointing out the negative. Being consistent with this method has been helpful because children respond best to positive reinforcement.
- What is an unusual place you have been to?
At one point in my life I was studying to be an Anthropologist. I attended a class at a special museum volt to see an exhibition of the actual first taxidermy species to be categorized by Charles Darwin. No one was allowed to touch anything as these were rare, one of a kind specimens. There was one person wearing white gloves, handling all the pieces. The experience was pretty awesome and creepy at the same time.
- Do you have a talent that not many people know about?
A talent that not many people know about me is that I have written music, performed and created songs. I just love music.
- What’s your #1 teaching tip?
Be prepared.
- What’s your favorite classroom Attention Getter?
Clapping in a rhythmic sequence and having the class mimic the pattern.
- What is something interesting that you’re involved in, outside of Apollo After School?
I am the founder and CEO of an all-natural, earth conscious, vegan skin/body care brand. Specializing in soaps, body butters, and exfoliating brushes. I love helping people realize that what we put on body is an important as what we put in our body. My products are safe for all skin types, chemical and cruelty-free, and promote healthy, glowing skin. 🙂
- How do you spend your summer breaks?
I spend my summer breaks traveling, running, spending time with my family/friends and operating my business.
- Star Wars, Star Trek, or they’re both lame?
Ummm. I would not go as far as calling them lame but I really do not know much about either one. However, I would have to choose Star Trek because they came first, setting the path for other Sci-Fi greats like Star Wars.
- What do you like most about working with Apollo?
What I like most about working with Apollo is the unique opportunity I get to work directly with the students, parents, and educators. Having that connection is an integral part of the program. It is what helps me best support the Apollo team and meet the needs of the students, parents, and school.