On the left, Myiah is leading the "Beats" Elective Drumming Performance at our groundbreaking ceremony in Vallejo!

Myiah is our incredibly joyful, hardworking, founding Kindergarten Instructional Assistant  (and Beats Drumming Teacher!) at CMA. 

"Myiah's contagious joy, hard-work and care for all students have led to her growing into such a responsive and effective educator! She meets her students where they are and uses their strengths to push even further. Myiah embodies flexibility, commitment and authenticity. She has been such a critical part of our Kindergarteners' success this year. If you observe one of Myiah's small groups, you would be amazed at her students' engagement and growth as readers!"

"Myiah has always been amazing.  She's so great.  She makes our day to day lives easier and simpler.  I'm so glad for the chance to work with her and can't thank her enough for everything she's done in our class."

All about Myiah: 
​I was referred to Caliber Schools by a Beta employee and was drawn to the school because it started in my hometown of Richmond! I felt appreciative that the school was founded there to help a community that means so much to me. Also, the chance to be a part of a founding team seemed really amazing ... and it has proven to be!!!

I spent the past few years working in preschool and never thought I would move up to kindergarten. After some thought, I knew that seeing exactly what little preschoolers would be moving up to would be great experience for me! I've known since the age of 15 that I wanted to work with children in education. At 23, I started at Contra Costa College on making that a reality. Shortly after, I was in the preschool world and loved it. I am now loving the kindergarten teaching world just as much!

A recent interview with Myiah: 
What is your favorite thing about being an Instructional Assistant at CMA?
My fave thing about being an IA is the chance to experience two different classrooms and work with two different teachers. I am able to learn so much because I am learning from two different teaching styles.

What was your favorite subject growing up? 
My favorite subject growing up was English & Writing! Still my faves today.

Did you always think you were going to become a teacher? 
I didn't know to what capacity I would be working with children but, it became clear to me that teaching was it for me at the age of 21.

Favorite candy bar or sweet treat?
My fave sweet treat is chocolate (no fillings) and Haribo gummy bears!

If you could go on a dream vacation, what would you do + where would you go? 
My dream vacation would be to the island of Grenada! I became obsessed with the island about 5 years ago after meeting some friends of my family that are from there. I love the whole idea of the islands (weather & culture) and that will be the first one I go to when I start traveling!

What is your favorite thing about the Bay Area (or specifically about Vallejo!)? 
My favorite thing about the Bay Area is the rich culture! We are so diverse and our culture is super unique. Wherever we (Bay Natives) go, people know and love that we are from the bay. We are just "hella" tight!!!! My fave thing about Vallejo are all the awesome food spots that you can find if you just explore the streets. :)

What is one fun fact that most people don't know about you? 
One fun fact that most don't know about me is that I live for karaoke! .... with an audience. 

When you visit CMA make sure to see Myiah in action! 

Ms. Zenobia Ritter is the newest member of our Caliber Beta Academy Team. She is teaching 5th Grade Math and attacking standards and SBAC prep day in and day out. We want to take this #TeacherTuesday to get to know our newest member! 

"Zenobia has hit the ground running.  She is working hard to get to know students, create meaningful and engaging lessons, and get kids prepared and confident for the SBAC math test. She has an easy style with our scholars and calmly encourages them to do their best while holding them to a high standard."

Learn all about Zenobia! 

I am originally from Columbia, S.C. I graduated from Benedict College in 2000 with a B.S degree in Education and attained my Masters in March 2016 from Capella University in Higher Learning - Adult Education. I have lived in a number of states and I have finally found my place in Oakland, CA. I am done moving! 

I was attracted to Caliber schools when I first subbed at ChangeMakers Academy in Vallejo. I was highly impressed with the students and I wanted to learn more about Caliber as an organization. I was fortunate to become a part of the Beta Team and I absolutely love the staff but more so the students. The students are so sweet and they won me over with their pleasantries and willingness to learn. They accepted me with open arms which we know is very hard for children to do when in the midst of change. I love children; teaching gives me life and something to look forward to. Since Kindergarten I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. I come from a very large family of teachers on both sides of my family.

My favorite subject growing up was ELA and choir and band (marching, jazz and concert). My favorite chocolate treats are Ferroro Rocher and Snickers candy bar. If I could go on a dream vacation I would choose to go to the Bahamas, United Arab Emirates and/or Germany. 

My favorite things about the Bay area are the cultural diversity and welcoming of difference, the people, the weather, the food, the arts and the sheer beauty of the Bay as a whole. It is so beautiful here. My big secret is - In high school I was accepted to Berkeley but my parents (my dad specifically) didn't want his daughter on the other side of the country. So.... it took me a little over 20 years to move to where I should have been all along! Last summer I turned 40 and vowed to never live in a place I didn't like ever again! 

Fun Facts about me - I sing, play saxophone (a little rusty but can still read music), love creative writing, am a great dancer, love to travel, in 2005 tried out for American Idol, I'm an adventurer/free spirit and love trying new things. I want to put a band together! My stage name is LadyZee! 

Welcome, Zenobia! 

"
Latasha Dubois is our warm, supportive, and determined Special Education Instructional Assistant at Caliber ChangeMakers Academy. She is loved by all students and staff and is a constant force on our team to advocate and support every child. 

What Latasha's team has to say about her:  "Latasha is eager to learn, always patient with students, and is there whenever needed.  She has become such an asset to our SPED program, and to the Caliber family as a whole."

"Latasha is wonderful to work with. She is organized, responsible, kind to the children and also demonstrates excellent teaching techniques and pedagogy. She is a team-player and supports all her coworkers. She also has great ideas for the classroom, and welcomes new ideas from others!" 

All about Latasha: 
Richmond California is my hometown and where my family still resides. My mother moved my siblings and I to Vallejo, and I must say I'm so happy she did because I've had nothing but great experiences here. I am a Vallejo High School alumni--class of 2004. I was very active in school with sports, clubs, and volunteering in general education and SPED classrooms/programs. From there, I went to Contra Costa College and transferred to UC Berkeley where I studied English and Education. During that time, I was blessed with three amazing children, worked full time as a tutor, and attended school as well. I am grateful to have accomplished that! 
      Before coming to Caliber I worked as a home-base tutor for students with special needs, an IA and graduate tutor in the SPED department for WCCUSD in Richmond, and from there I became a Teacher for VCUSD. A friend of mine informed me about Caliber and I was ecstatic about the new school coming to the community! 
   I have learned so much working in the SPED department at Caliber and am looking forward to the future years! One school! One mission!

A recent interview with Latasha:
What is your favorite thing about teaching Special Education at CMA? 
One of my favorite things about teaching Special Education at CMA is being able to witness students accomplish their personalized academic, mental, and social goals over time. It is an honor to take part in that growth. They are my inspiration!

What was your favorite subject growing up? 
My favorite subject growing up was English, it still is. I love writing! 

Did you always think you were going to become a teacher? 
Yes! I always knew I wanted to be a Teacher. It has always been a passion of mine.

Favorite candy bar or sweet treat?
My favorite candy is a kit kat bar. But any type of chocolate will do. Yummy!

If you could go on a dream vacation, what would you do + where would you go?
I would love to go to China to travel and of course teach.

What is your favorite thing about the Bay Area (or specifically about Vallejo!)? 
My favorite thing about Vallejo are the PEOPLE! The love and support I see in the community, especially the community at Caliber, is refreshing and warms my heart! I love seeing a strong community.

What is one fun fact that most people don't know about you? 
I have three children. I practice contortion, acro yoga and aerial arts. 

​Come visit CMA and see Latasha in action!