Teacher: Sarah Koo, The Educator Academy Cohort Two
School: Millennium @ Santa Fe Elementary, Hickman Mills C-1 District
Grade level: 4th – ELA, Math, Social Studies, Science
Years teaching: less than one year
Hometown: Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Degrees: Bachelors in Neuropsychology and Theater from UMKC; Masters Candidate in of Urban Education from Park University
What were you doing before you became a teacher? I was in Washington DC researching the impact of Arts Integration in urban public schools.
Why did you want to become a teacher? I wanted to become a teacher to impact the way content is delivered to students who struggle making connections in learning.
How is your first year of teaching going so far? As a first year teacher, I am making all the mistakes a first year teacher could make. I am also learning to be committed and opened to this steep learning curve and find beauty in the process. I am filled with gratitude to my The Educator Academy coach Kandace, my colleagues, and my 4th grade teammates. They are the reason for the successes that I’ve been experiencing and the cushion for many growing opportunities.
What is the most rewarding part of being a teacher? The most rewarding part of being a teacher is watching my students grow into their best selves as they navigate life’s challenges. Teachers reach far beyond the role of academia. We impact the way they respond to circumstances around them with the knowledge and skills we put in their hand.