Keisha Francois

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
TA Campus: Hostos Community College
Class Year: Freshman
Major: Education
Activities: Volunteering and helping my siblings with their schoolwork

How would you describe the TA experience from a student perspective?
The Teacher Academy experience has been a lot of fun. I have met new people and look forward to going into the classroom for my internship. Having the chance to become a teacher is one of my greatest goals which I have begun to fulfill.

Why do you want the experience of teaching in NYC?
It is such a diverse crowd and the need for teachers continues to rise in NYC. There are great opportunities that are at hand in the city and being able to teach would be a great honor for me.

How do you stay motivated?
Being the eldest and the first to attend college, I need to set a good example for my brothers and sister. They keep me motivated and encourage me to do better everyday.

What advice would you give to someone considering the TA?
Enjoy the experience to the fullest.

Edgar M. Garcia

Hometown: Richmond Hill, Queens
TA Campus: Queens College
Class Year: Sophomore
Major: Chemistry
Activities: Boy scout volunteer, Summer camp instructor

What is the TA experience to you?
The TA experience is great for me. It allows me to experience teachers from different fields that have different ways of delivering their subjects. It’s great to be in a program that gives you an opportunity and a taste of what being a teacher is all about.

Why do you want to teach in New York City?
The city schools have a lot to offer. I am interested in the wide variety of cultures and backgrounds that the students bring to the classroom. Being part of the lives of the students is the best.

Who inspires you?
The people that inspire me the most have been my teachers. They gave their time and made sure that not only was I learning the subject matter, but they helped me grow in all aspects as a person and citizen of the world. My teachers have given me the tools to be a good student and a great person.

How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by keeping my goals in mind. I also stay motivated by achieving small goals one at a time. Having little brothers that you want to succeed also helps me, because I want them to have a great education like I did. I want to be a great teacher for the generation to come.

What advice would you give to someone considering the TA?
This program allows you to get a feel for a career before you commit yourself fully into the program. It is not a waste of time to find what you might be made for, also there are plenty of TA students willing to answer questions and help as well.

Olena Kebalo

Hometown: Queens, NY
TA Campus: Hunter College
Class Year: Sophomore
Major: Biology
Activities: Global Medical Brigades Club, yoga, scouting, volunteering in the Ukrainian community in New York City

How would you describe the TA experience from a student perspective?
Although the Teacher Academy sets a rigorous pace in its curriculum, the program provides individual attention and support that facilitate both personal and academic growth. It gives its students the opportunity to experience “the other side” of the blackboard.

Why do you want the experience of teaching in NYC?
New York City has provided me with education both in and beyond the classroom. I am fortunate to have been taught by some of the best teachers in the city, and am even more fortunate to be in a program that will guide me into becoming one. I am excited to give back to the city that has given me my start.

What do you like about being a college student in NYC?
At first I was concerned that New York City would not offer me the “college campus atmosphere”. Now that I am attending school in Manhattan, I realize that the whole city is my campus! Everything I need is never more than a subway ride away, and the skyline at night never ceases to amaze me.

Noemaris Mulero

Hometown: Bronx, NY
TA Campus: Lehman College
Class Year: Sophomore
Major: Mathematics
Activities: Sunday School Teacher, Supplemental Instruction Leader

What is the TA experience to you?
To me this is an opportunity to discover what it takes to be a teacher and to be in a classroom ahead of my career, so that I can prepare now instead of post-graduation. The good thing about The Teacher Academy is that I am able to experience and learn, not by myself, but with fellow students who also are striving towards the same goal.

Why do you want to teach in New York City?
I am a graduate of the NYC public school system. I was greatly privileged to encounter outstanding teachers who taught me the skills to get through school and I want to be able to provide that same education to next generation of students. Also, staying in NYC to teach gives me the sense of giving back to my community in a great way.

Who inspires you?
My high school math teacher challenged me to discover my skill for mathematics and my passion for teaching. She set such a great example for me as a teacher for the students who continues to help students even after they have long graduated high school.

How do you stay motivated?
My brother is a high school teacher and hearing his experiences really excite me to be in front of a classroom. Also, it motivates me to see students that I may have helped really learn and improve; it gives me a sense of accomplishment.

What advice would you give to someone considering the TA?
Prepare yourself for a diverse experience and appreciate the fact that as a Teacher Academy student you are at an advantage by entering the classroom so early in your training. It is important to consider that since The Teacher Academy covers tuition, there is less stress over finances, which really helps one focus on studies.