Teacher Tuesday 24: Myiah Watson, Kindergarten Instructional Assistant at ChangeMakers Academy.

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! 

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