Akshayaa Venkatakrishnan: Bringing Curiosity, Empathy, and Fun to Her Classroom
Akshayaa
Venkatakrishnan
Class 2, Lead
What is your Vision for Impact Statement?
My original statement was to “utilize networks and experiences to create school culture which empowers students, and gives all students and families access to achievement and opportunity.” Now, I’m in the process of revising my statement to focus more on STEM opportunities and choices for all students.
You recently made several career moves? How did your involvement with School Board School influence this journey?
I had never heard about mental models before joining School Board School, but in the session we did with StriveTogether, Colin Groth and Jasmine Coaston challenged my ways of thinking and my approach to education. I was grateful to join the StriveTogether Learning & Activation team, and got to see a wide perspective of systems-change work happening across the country. Still, I felt a pull to be in community with students and families, and I am excited to be returning to Cincinnati Public Schools this fall to teach high school science again.
How have you used your School Board School training/learnings in your work?
Some of my favorite memories from School Board School’s learning program were those lightbulb moments while having conversations with classmates and our guest speakers - being in the program while being in the classroom as a teacher made me feel more empowered to know how and why decisions were being made.
I was able to make more informed decisions and educate others by following along with board and committee meetings, and have a network of individuals I can lean on to ideate and get great advice.
What impact are you hoping to make with this new job change?
I really love teaching, especially science. When we approach the world with wonder and curiosity, we’re able to build empathy, show respect for our wonderful planet, and as one of our session facilitators, David Weaver always shares, have fun doing serious work. I hope to build this sense of wonder and curiosity with the students, teachers, and families I get to support, and ultimately, I hope that my students can see themselves in science, whether they make the choice to pursue the field, or see the science and beauty in our everyday lives.
What do you love about the work you do (or will be doing)?
At the heart of it, I love being in community with young folks. Nothing beats the energy of being in a classroom and seeing students excited to make an impact and take on learning. I love getting to know their families and building our team so that they can take their education into their own hands.
How can the School Board School community support you in this work?
I think everyone says this, but it’s true! The best part about School Board School is the amazing people.
If anyone reading this hopes to jumpstart their ideas in a classroom or brainstorm with a teacher, please reach out! Especially when teachers are still strapped for time and resources, it is such a gift to be connected to passionate individuals who want to support student well-being and outcomes.
What advice do you have for other School Board School members as they look to get involved or for new roles?
Be open to new opportunities - I didn’t think I would have a career switch and then be returning to the classroom, but it has shaped me into a better person and a better teacher.
My coworker at StriveTogether shared this beautiful poem, and it sums up my feelings of returning to the classroom:
"And sometimes you meet yourself
back where you started, but stronger."
- Yrsa Daley-Ward
If there’s anyone thinking of staying or leaving the classroom, I would be happy to connect and talk through this heavy decision and what it felt like for me!