Ms. Kimberly Berry
“Treat people as if they were what they ought to be, and you will help them become what they are capable of being.” - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. This quote has stayed with me throughout my 15 years as an educator. I know each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. This means believing in each student and believing that he or she can learn and be successful. Students can only learn as much as the teacher expects; teachers who set high expectations for their students will receive higher achievement from their students. It is also paramount that students acquire skills and a knowledge base that will precede them and allow them to function at a superior level throughout their entire academic career.
To achieve this, students must have a great support base, a diverse and interdisciplinary curriculum, and a teacher who is willing to sacrifice to ensure that their students achieve not just for the present time, but also for a lifetime!
Jumoke Academy is a school that understands this philosophy. I am proud to be part of an organization that truly has a “whatever it takes” mentality in order to support student achievement. I look forward to continuing the journey with our amazing Jumoke family!
Ms. Esche
Miss Esche joined Jumoke Academy in 2011. She earned her B.A. in Dance and her Elementary Education Certification from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania and her M.A. in Sociology and Education from Teachers College, Columbia University in New York City where she was also awarded the Zankel Urban Fellowship. Before coming to Jumoke, Miss Esche taught first grade in Doylestown, Pennsylvania and in Phoenix, Arizona and tutored kindergarten and first grade students in a Harlem public school.
Growing up, Miss Esche especially enjoyed writing poetry in school. She was a serious and accomplished ballet dancer, and still enjoys taking technique classes when possible. You are likely to find Miss Esche spending any free time stuck in a compelling novel or biography. She listens to all kinds of music, frequents art museums, tries to spend as much time in New York City as possible, and is passionate about teaching and learning.
Ms. Delgado
Ms. Delgado joined Jumoke Academy in 2011. She graduated from Northeastern University, with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in Urban Education. She has her Master’s degree in the Art of Teaching from Northeastern University, as well. She is certified to teach Elementary (K-6) Education. Before coming to Jumoke, she taught first grade for five years at a charter school in Boston. When she moved to CT, she taught fourth grade for one year in New Haven Public Schools. She is very excited to be a part of the Jumoke family.
Ms. Delgado’s favorite thing to do is travel around the world. She loves to learn about new cultures and languages. She takes a trip every chance she gets! She also enjoys listening to music, hanging out with her friends, and spending time with her family.
Ms. Sloley
Mrs. Sloley joined Jumoke Academy in 2009. She earned her Masters of Science degree in Educational Leadership from the Central Connecticut State University. She also holds a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Elementary Education. Mrs. Sloley is certified (K-6) and has enjoyed educating young minds for the past 10 years. She enjoys any opportunity to spend time with her family and friends, listening to music, dancing and savoring in a good novel. She shares the belief that, when you love people and have the desire to make a profound , positive impact upon the world, only then, will you accomplish the meaning of life and living.
Ms. Powell
Shawna Powell has been at Jumoke since 2003. She attended Saint Joseph’s college where she received a degree in education. She went on to receive a masters degree in reading from Central Connecticut State University. In her free time she enjoys reading and biking with her two boys. It’s her desire to help students discover and unlock their potential overcoming any obstacle in their path. Her feelings can be summed up with a quote from Henry Adams, “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” It is this sentiment that drives her in pushing her students to achieve their own personal best.