National Teacher Appreciation Week: Niyesha Coleman

May 7, 2015

Ms. Niyesha Coleman is an invaluable asset to Cesar Chavez PCS. Not only does she do an exceptional job of educating her own scholars, but she invests in every member of the Chavez community. She can often be found redirecting a child and communicating with them the impact their actions had on others or offering kind words of encouragement to a colleague.

While leading the math department, Ms. Coleman also supports the work of the teachers and administration in the building and has found a way to build lasting, positive relationships with the the Chavez community. She is also a member of the PTA, expert with grade book support for teachers, the resident “Teacher Cheerleader”, and leader of the recently added Scholar Incentive Program that promotes having a positive culture throughout the school.

Ms. Coleman has a unique ability to connect with any scholar that enters her classroom. She comes to work every day with a high level of enthusiasm, energy, and a passion that is not common among most educators. She is relentless in her drive to positively impact and develop the “whole” child, focusing not only on teaching content, but also ensuring that her scholars leave her class with valuable lessons that are applicable in any facet of life.

Ms. Coleman teaches her scholars that it's okay to make mistakes, but what you do with those mistakes is what defines you as a person. These characteristics have formed a sense of empowerment and advocacy in her scholars that are present in their academic performance.

When it comes to Ms. Coleman’s own professional growth, she has thoroughly enhanced her ability to use data to drive her instruction as well as any discussion centered on student achievement. This growth has allowed her to have conversations with scholars that she herself has acknowledged where rarely possible without that consistent use and routine in place.

Thanks for all you do, Ms. Coleman!

In honoring of Teacher Appreciate and National Charter Schools Week, PCSB is highlighting public charter school teachers that work hard every day to prepare DC’s public charter school students for college and the workforce. From PK to adult education programs, public charter school teachers strive to increase the academic performance and school culture for their students.