Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!
We’re back to continue our Teacher Appreciation Week celebration! Our educators do far more than stand behind a podium. They’re connecting with students everyday, helping them believe in their own potential and find pathways to college and exciting careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math). We’re so grateful for all they do—and we’re certain their students are too!
David Tong, Director, TGR EDU: Create
As the director of TGR EDU: Create, our professional development program, David works closely with educators, offering them hands-on lessons, such as Technology Tools for Educators, Common Core Math and Coding in Computer Science, that they can then take back to their own classroom. David also works with our middle and high school students, teaching Video Game Design, Digital Photography, Hip Hop and Coding in Javascript.
Fun Fact: David enjoys traveling and immersing himself in different cultures. His latest adventure was spent in Vietnam and Thailand for two weeks.
Ian Esmilla, Learning Facilitator
Mr. E, as he’s affectionately referred to by his students, is one of our original TGR Learning Lab educators! Over the years, he’s taught Aerospace, Going Green, Engineering, Robotics and Forensic and Marine Science—to name a few.
Fun Facts: Ian, an avid sports-lover and former captain of his high school football team, now coaches his son’s championship little league baseball team.
John Foster, Senior Manager, Programs
Commiteed to making sure even educators are constantly learning, John takes part in our professional development program, teaching educators new lessons in science. He’s also involved in our after-school program, teaching classes such as Engineering Design Process, Universal Science, Mechanical Engineering, Sports Medicine and Biotechnology.
Fun Fact: John has been to Euro Disney!
Kimberly O’Toole, Programs Manager
Kimmy, as we all refer to her in the office, manages our summer programs, High School Summer Academy and plans our after-school program’s Family Nights. She even planned a staff Easter egg hunt this year!
Fun Fact: Last time she hit the links, she got her first birdie!
Manny Luong, Learning Facilitator
Manny teaches an array of classes from Drama and Graphic Design to Video Game Design and Video Production.
Fun Fact: Manny worked as a Page at Paramount Studios for one year. One of his duties was warming up the audience for the Dr. Phil Show!
Mehrab Sarwar, Program Coordinator for the Earl Woods Scholar Program
Mehrab works closely on expanding the outreach of our scholar program in Washington DC. Alongside the rest of his team, he also works to ensure the success of our Earl Woods Scholars while in the program and beyond.
Fun fact: Mehrab hates fun facts, but he has also read the entire Harry Potter series twice!
Saki Hashimoto, Learning Facilitator
One of our newest TGR Learning Lab educators, Saki comes to us from the Ocean Institute in Dana Point, California. Here at the lab, Saki teaches Forensic and Marine Science, Technology For Good, Forensic Files and the Power of Chemistry.
Fun Fact: After this summer, Saki will have traveled to five continents!
Stay tuned for one more post highlighting the rest of our impressive team of educators. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week to all!
