Ms. Yuria Koga

English/Asian Cultures Studies

and Reading Intervention

8th Grade

Room 234

Universities/Colleges attended:

    University of Southern California, ‘11

    University of California, Davis, ‘09

Major:

    B.A. Sociology

        Minor in Communications

     M.A. in Teaching

Special Credentials and/or Recognitions:

 Single Subject Teaching Credential, English

Personal Statement/Philosophy:

As a teacher, I strive to inspire students to become critical thinkers, life long learners, and empowered individuals. In order to achieve these goals, the students and I will work together to promote a respectful and supportive atmosphere in the classroom. In my curriculum, I will incorporate academic language and various student characteristics, such as their strengths, interests, prior knowledge, and funds of knowledge. I am continuously learning and hope to gain knowledge from my experiences as a new teacher to better serve the students’ needs.

You should also know that:

I was a mentor, advisor, and tutor for Upward Bound at UC Davis, a federally funded TRIO program. Upward Bound is an academic resource program working with high school students to develop skills and motivation, allowing them to make informed decisions regarding post-secondary education. At Upward Bound, I learned the importance of understanding the students’ community/background and often communicated with the students’ parents so that we could collaboratively pursue the academic success of their children. I am committed to providing resources and tools to empower students so that they can pursue higher education, which will positively affect their families and community.

I am also deeply attached to my toy poodle, Coco. I have a hard-working father, a caring mother, and a very talented brother. We all love to run, including Coco. We also love food and we eat lots of it!

ykoga@vistacharterschool.org