Meet Cara Connor: The incredibly calm, thoughtful presence on the Kindergarten team at Beta Academy.  Cara's room not only smells of lavender but is a place where kids are engaged, happy, and challenged. 

Words about Cara from members of her team: 
"I feel truly blessed to work with Cara. She is an ideal colleague: reliable, supportive, and funny. As a teacher, she works unbelievably hard to give her students the best experience possible. I know that I am privileged to share students with Cara because they learn so much from her, both academically and emotionally. In addition, Cara is someone who really practices what she preaches in terms of teaching philosophy. She believes deeply in the importance of student engagement and joyful learning, and she puts in an insane amount of effort to make those principles come alive in her classroom through exciting centers and hands-on activities. I am so happy and excited that Cara and I will be teaching together again next year. " 

"Children leave Cara's classroom with a lifelong love for exploring, learning, and asking questions. It is a privilege to teach with Cara - I am constantly learning from her." 

All about Cara:
I am originally from a coastal town of San Diego. From a  young age, my family instilled a love of nature and art in me, specifically the ocean, music and literature. Through reading and music, I developed a deep love of learning about life and cultures. At UCSD, I double majored in International Studies and Spanish Literature, and through this experience I learned a lot about education systems around the world, and was inspired to become a teacher. I love being a kindergarten teacher, because I am able to express my whimsical and child-like side with my students while also striving to instill a love of learning and curiosity in them. I strongly believe that children should not only have access to rigorous academic content, but should be able to explore joyful learning through art, technology, and nature. Outside of my job, I love cooking, playing music, going on long walks, reading, dancing, and spending time with my friends and family. 


A recent Interview with Cara: 

What is your favorite thing about being a Kinder Teacher at CBA? 
I absolutely love my team at Caliber. Emily, Tracy, Liv, Ofelia, and Selena are all wonderful colleagues and friends.  I think that we are an incredible balance of individuals. We come from many different backgrounds and with different ideas of what education should be for our youngest learners.  Our various viewpoints mesh so well together. We have a strong (and ever-evolving) vision for what we want kindergarten to be.  

What was your favorite subject growing up? 
Literature, literature, literature! I love reading, writing, analyzing, and discussing literature! I also enjoyed journalism in high school. I got to write album reviews and news stories, and later became the Editor in Chief of the school newspaper. 

Did you always think you were going to become a teacher? 
I think that teaching may have always been at the back of my mind, but my aspirations were always changing. I wanted to be a writer, a physical therapist, in a band, a policy maker, everything... haha. 

Favorite candy bar or sweet treat?
Dark Chocolate

If you could go on a dream vacation, what would you do + where would you go? 
Since I am currently reading "A Song of Ice and Fire" books (Game of Thrones), I would want to visit Westeros and the Free Cities. There, I would want to visit Old Town and read some books in the library. 

What is your favorite thing about the Bay Area (or specifically about Richmond!)? 
I love the incorporation of nature into the cities of the Bay Area. I also love the vibrancy of people and culture!

What is one fun fact that most people don't know about you? 
I was a singer in a reggae band in high school. 

Come visit Beta Academy to see Cara in action!!

Meet Katelyn Mamizuka. Katelyn is one of our founding 1st grade teachers at ChangeMakers Academy in Vallejo and is always a positive, joyful light on campus. She deeply loves each and every student and is eager to grow her pedagogy everyday. 

Some words from her co-teachers at CMA: 
"I LOVE KATELYN!!! She always pushes her students to work their hardest. She is the rock that holds the St. Mary's class together.  Everything about her work ethic is genuine and sincere. You can tell she truly cares about her students and also her staff members. I can't imagine my experience here at Caliber without her!!"

​"Ms. Katelyn is a super positive teacher and it shows in her classroom culture. She has trained her class in the art of the appreciation note and encouragement. Their ability to find a compliment for a classmate is evidence of her awesome classroom culture. I'm so glad that I have been able to work alongside her in first grade this year!"

All about Katelyn: 
​I always knew I wanted to be a teacher ever since I was little. I went to Saint Mary's College of CA for my undergrad and masters. At Saint Mary's College I student taught in all types of schools which was an awesome experience. I ended up at Caliber when I was asked to be the teacher aide for TK. Then, Rachael asked me if I would be open to teaching first grade and I was so excited! Teaching at Caliber has been such a positive addition to my life. When interviewing I knew I wanted to work at Caliber because of the positive culture and the mission that we are striving to achieve. I love that we are so focused on giving all students an equal opportunity. We give so much support and so much love to all of the students. It's unlike any other school.  

A recent interview with Katelyn: 

What is your favorite thing about being a 1st grade Teacher at CMA? 
I love how welcoming and kind everyone is here at CMA. All of the staff members are open to collaboration. I love the atmosphere and environment. I love how respectful and hard-working the students are. My students are the best! They have made this first year of teaching so enjoyable and memorable for me. They have grown so much over the course of this year. 

What was your favorite subject growing up? 
My favorite subjects growing up were P.E. and Math! 

Did you always think you were going to become a teacher? 
I have always wanted to become a teacher since I was 6 years old. 

Favorite candy bar or sweet treat?
Gummy worms

If you could go on a dream vacation, what would you do + where would you go? 
My dream vacation would be to Thailand.  I would love to help save the elephants and sea turtles there. 

What is your favorite thing about the Bay Area (or specifically about Vallejo!)? 
My favorite thing about the Bay Area is the mix of cultures. 

What is one fun fact that most people don't know about you? 
A fun fact about me is that I once had a goldfish for 5 years that I won at the fair. 

Melissa is a rock on the 6th grade team. She is funny, holds high expectations, and does what is right for every student. 

"Melissa shows tremendous dedication to this work and to her students.  She is the teacher you can count on to get things done, both inside and outside of the classroom.  She will do anything to provide more educational opportunities for students."

"Fotouhi is an ideal middle school teacher. She is enthusiastic, fun, and engaging. I would love to be a student in her class!"

All about Melissa:
​
My journey to teaching was very untraditional. I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Merchandising and Business from the University of Kentucky (my home state). I then moved to California to pursue my graduate degree in Textile Science from the University of California, Davis. My pre-teaching resume reads various positions in the clothing industry from chemist to fashion buyer, but my passion for learning and my love of working with young minds drew me back to the classroom first as a volunteer at Glenview Elementary in Oakland and eventually to Caliber as a Math and Science teacher.

I came to Caliber seeking an opportunity to teach students more than just how to memorize math facts, but also to be curious about how math presents itself in the world around them. Caliber has allowed me the time and space to really get to know my "kids". I can personally only remember a handful of teachers who thankfully reached out and helped me rise to my academic potential. I hope one day I can be a teacher my students remember in that way. Most students will at least remember my "big eyes", that come out from time to time to alert students that I mean business when it comes to math. 

A recent interview with Melissa: 

What is your favorite thing about being a 6th grade Math Teacher at Beta?  
I love the flexibility I have in teaching my students. I have access to both online and on paper materials to help students wherever they are.

What was your favorite subject growing up? 
My favorite subject growing up was art. I liked not having to be "right" and the freedom to make something, no matter how  it turned out.

What would you be doing if you were not teaching? 
If I wasn't teaching I would travel the world to experience life from different cultural perspectives. 

Favorite candy bar or sweet treat?
I love coffee, not real coffee but the Starbuck's kind with lots of sugar and flavors added. 

If you could go on a dream vacation, what would you do + where would you go? 
I want to visit my husband's family in Iran and experience the Iranian culture in its truest form. 

What is your favorite thing about the Bay Area (or specifically about Richmond!)? 
When I'm not teaching, I'm momm'n for my two amazing children (Cyrus 3 years and Lily 8 months). I love being outside with my husband and kids. As a family we cheer for the Oakland A's and travel throughout California on the weekends. 

What is one fun fact that most people don't know about you? 
My favorite thing to do is make other people laugh. I believe humor is the best way to get through life (I'm okay if I'm the only one who thinks I'm funny). 

​Come to Beta to see Fotouhi in action! 

Meet Alison Ford: She is loving, consistent, joyful and rigorous. She holds high expectations and is a rock on the founding team at ChangeMakers Academy. 

"Ms. Ford embodies a love for her students that we can all learn from!! Her efforts despite challenges is inspiring!"

"Alison is a joy to be around and is a truly invested and engaged teacher. She is the one I turn to for advice about classroom management and for any additional resources. She is selfless and I am so blessed to work alongside such a wonderful educator." 

"Ms. Ford is a dedicated, patient, resilient and thoughtful educator. She builds incredible relationships with families and supports all her students academically and socio-emotionally. Ms. Ford continually seeks feedback and strategies to grow because she believes in being the best she can be for her students. She isn't deterred by challenges, but instead comes up with solutions. She sees her students holistically and goes the extra mile to support them in whatever way she can! Ms. Ford's students are so fortunate to have had her as their teacher this year!" ​

I always admire Alison's patience and calmness; even through difficult situations. She handles everything with grace.  She's amazing!"

All about Alison: 
​I grew up in Suisun City, California, where I lived with my parents and my younger brother.  For college, I attended Bucknell University in Pennsylvania.  That was my first experience on the East Coast, and I loved living through all of the seasons.  While attending Bucknell, I played Division 1 softball for the Bison.  I was able to travel a lot with the team, even back to California to play.  After graduating with my degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, I moved back home to California to be closer to my family.  Since being back in California, I got a job working in the Vallejo School District, and have coached softball for many age groups.  Outside of the classroom, I love to play softball, explore the outdoors, spend time with my family, and try new places to eat.

A recent interview with Alison: 
What is your favorite thing about being a Kinder Teacher at CMA? 
My favorite thing about being a kinder teacher at CMA is the collaboration.  I work with an excellent team of teachers, and we are always working to find new ways to make our lessons engaging.  I also love teaching our youngest scholars.  It is very rewarding to know that I am their first teacher at CMA, and I am helping set their educational foundation.

What was your favorite subject growing up?
My favorite subject was always writing.  

Did you always think you were going to become a teacher? 
When I entered college, I was planning on going into psychology.  But growing up, I was surrounded by education, as many of my family members were teachers.  When in college, I began taking courses in education, and was able to re-realize my passion for teaching.

Favorite candy bar or sweet treat?
I love chocolate and caramel.

 If you could go on a dream vacation, what would you do + where would you go? 
My dream vacation would be to take a cruise through the Mediterranean.  My grandma is from Italy, and I have always wanted to explore that part of the world.

What is your favorite thing about the Bay Area (or specifically about Vallejo!)? 
I love the Bay Area for its diversity.  Wherever you go, there are differences in food, music, celebrations and culture.  I also love the foggy weather.

What is one fun fact that most people don't know about you? 
I am deaf in my right ear!

Make sure to visit Alison's room when you visit ChangeMakers Academy!! 

Maddy's joy and leadership is apparent the moment you step into her classroom or see her on campus. She is always positive with her students, has high expectations, and finds a way to reach every student holistically. Congratulations, Maddy, on this week's Teacher Tuesday! 

Quotes from Maddy's teammates at Caliber Beta Academy: 
"Maddy is inspiring to be around. Her devotion and diligence are as obvious as her love for the kids. I can't say who has learned more - me or the kids - but I am certain of how lucky we are to have her guiding our fourth grade dragons. Congrats, Maddy!"

"Maddy is a great leader and works hard to make sure the day runs smoothly. She is very flexible and understanding to student's needs as well as her coworker's. It has truly been a pleasure working with Maddy!" 

"If you have ever seen Maddy's traveling group of Intervention students you know how great of a teacher she is.  They are meeting without a classroom, but whether they are in room 3, on the blacktop near the office, or huddled in the library, she has them fully engaged in learning!  It is teaching at its finest!"

"Working alongside Maddy has been a true pleasure! She's 100% invested in her student's future. She literally utilizes every instructional minute to enrich our 4th grade class. Talk about HEART: she takes food from her own lunch bag to give to hungry students. Maddy, you're doing an amazing job, keep up the great work!" 

All about Maddy: 
I grew up in Seattle, Washington and went to Redlands, California for College. I graduated from University of Redlands with a bachelor’s degree in Race and Ethnic Studies with a focus in education. From California, I ventured to the midwest to teach in Kansas City Public Schools. There, I taught 1st-3rd grade (yes, 30 students of 1st-3rd graders, all in one classroom), I started a Girls on the Run team and helped develop school curriculum. I taught there for three years so was able to teach my 1st graders through their third grade year. I still stay in touch with all of them.  Through my experience in and outside the classroom with students, I became grounded in my passion to work with kids.  I was missing my west coast roots, so moved to California where I started teaching at Caliber. When I am not teaching, you’ll find me outside on hikes, runs, or at the park kicking the soccer ball around with friends. I love exploring new places, reading good books, and spending time with my family.  ​

A recent interview with Maddy: 
What is your favorite thing about being a 4th grade ELA Teacher + Grade Level Lead at Beta? 
My favorite thing about teaching is working with the students. I love figuring out how each student learns, developing that relationship and then watching them grow in all areas - in and outside the classroom!  

What was your favorite subject growing up? 
I loved reading and writing. 

Did you always think you were going to become a teacher? 
Yes... Ever since my incredible teacher in 2nd grade (Mrs. Mark), I remember always wanting to be a teacher- she made learning so fun. 

Favorite candy bar or sweet treat?
Anything peanut butter and chocolate!

If you could go on a dream vacation, what would you do + where would you go? 
I would travel through South America. 

What is your favorite thing about the Bay Area (or specifically about Richmond!)? 
I love the families here in Richmond... I love how involved they are in their community and in their child's education.  They bring so much love and trust to our school.  

What is one fun fact that most people don't know about you? 
I have been white water rafting down the Nile river and the Zambezi River....both grade 5 type of rapid action... and both incredible!

Come visit Beta Academy to observe Maddy in action!!