teaching – Aspire Public Schools

Introducing our Aspire2Alder Scholarship winners, Julie Rojas and Yvette Pacheco!

September 22, 2022

The Aspire Foundation has created a new scholarship called Aspire2Alder to help hourly Aspire teammates who are enrolled in the Alder Teacher Residency Program and working toward their teaching credentials. This builds on our long-standing relationship with the Aspire-incubated Alder Graduate School of Education. We’d like to congratulate Julie Rojas and Yvette Pacheco for enrolling in the Alder Residency Program and becoming the first Aspire teammates to be awarded this unique scholarship!

We wish Julie and Yvette continued success in their academic endeavors! Learn more about them and their goals below.

Julie Rojas

Julie Rojas has been a part of the Aspire community for many years, graduating from Aspire Ollin University Preparatory Academy, and returning to her alma mater as an After School Educator. Julie received her bachelor’s degree from Azusa Pacific University and is now pursuing her master’s degree in education through Alder GSE.

“It is a great honor to be a recipient of the Aspire2Alder Award! Being a part of the Aspire community has been very rewarding to my educational and professional journey,” she shared.

Today, she works with 5th-grade students at Aspire Inskeep Academy and plans to continue teaching this grade level in the future. In her spare time, she enjoys going outdoors, spending time with her family, and going to local coffee shops.

Yvette Pacheco

Yvette shared she’s happy and proud to be working in Huntington Park at Aspire Titan Academy, where she was previously an Instructional Assistant and is now a resident 5th-grade teacher. She also expressed enthusiasm for the teacher residency program saying, “I am thrilled to be a part of Alder and continue my journey as an educator! I am constantly learning how to be a better teacher for the students I work with. I am excited to learn more, and I hope to keep working in the community that I grew up in as an elementary school teacher.”

During her time off, she enjoys traveling and eating at new restaurants as well as spending time with her friends and family.

If you’re interested in pursuing teacher residency programs like our teammates Julie and Yvette, visit the Alder GSE page today!

Aspire Cal Prep Teacher recognized as ‘Most Valuable Teacher’ by Generation Thrive, Golden State Warriors

April 19, 2022

April 15, 2022

*Aspire Cal Prep educator Vitalis Obidi was* *recently honored* *as a ‘Most Valuable Teacher,’ a* *recognition program* *from the* *Golden State Warriors* *and Generation Thrive* *that celebrates teachers for their tireless commitment to students and families.*

Generation Thrive and the Golden State Warriors, in partnership with Clorox, launched “Most Valuable Teachers”, a recognition program that celebrates teachers for their unwavering commitment to students and families.

We are thrilled Vitalis Obidi, from Aspire Richmond California College Preparatory Academy (Aspire Cal Prep), was recently recognized as a ‘Most Valuable Teacher.’ Vitalis is a former Aspire Teacher Residency alumnus and current mentor who not only supports and coaches his current teacher resident, but continues to go above and beyond for Cal Prep scholars. He is regarded as a phenomenal and effective 7th-grade math teacher, who holds a popular Kendama club for scholars, uses his prep time to provide additional math support for scholars, and coaches the school basketball team!

Photo of current Aspire teacher when back in teacher residency with Alder GSE — A snapshot of Vitalis Obidi in class when he was a part of the Alder GSE Teacher Residency program.

Lena Anthony, a Director of Aspire’s Teacher Residency Program (ATR), shares that Vitalis has been a joy to work with this year, adding that he maintains a positive mindset, motivates and encourages his residents (as well as others in the Richmond community), and takes feedback to enhance his leadership coaching. “He is always willing to support ATR outreach and participate in panels led by Alder Graduate School of Education [which runs ATR]. It has been an honor to have him as part of the ATR mentor cohort this year.”

Obidi joined four teachers from other Bay Area schools for an in-game recognition to thank teachers who exceed expectations in ensuring students have the skills and resources to thrive. Congratulations again to one of our all-star educators, Vitalis Obidi!