Teacher Tuesday 28: Founding 1st Grade Joyful Leader at CMA... Katelyn Mamizuka!

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.