Camelot Teacher Profile: Andrew Hong
Andrew Hong teaches English at Chicago Excel Academy. A Baltimore native, Andrew has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Finance and English Literature and is pursuing a Master’s degree in Teaching. Before joining Camelot in August of 2013, Andrew worked as a Communications and Program Development Associate for a non-profit that provided scholarships to low-income first-generation college students.
Camelot has a unique model. Can you describe how you use the model in your classroom to help students achieve success?
I consider the model to be well rounded. The model allows us as teachers to utilize the classroom and outside resources to engage the students in reading, writing, and other subjects. As a whole I think the holistic approach we as teachers bring to the students is the social, emotional and lifelong complement of learning. Everything counts and helps the students every day to achieve success according to the unique model Camelot has established.
Is literacy an issue in your classroom? If so, how do you combat that?
Yes it is. Perhaps the biggest issue is not literacy directly, or the lack of it, but the range of literacy levels in a given classroom. As teachers we want to provide the same level of learning for every student, but when you have a range of levels it’s quite challenging to give an appropriate level of teaching. There are a few strategies to combat these issues. First you can group students into a team where you can then put the higher level readers with the mid- to lower- level readers. The higher level readers can then provide the mid- to lower- level readers help and work together. Secondly, teachers can differentiate assignments so students have the opportunity to process the assignment in a paper or write a poem in response to the message that was received through the text.
How do you keep your students motivated?
There are a number of ways in which students can stay motivated while learning. I prefer to use an academic approach. Telling the students how they are progressing day to day can be extremely useful in meeting their personal goals. I like to take the time to discuss how their grades can impact another objective they may have. I also try to motivate students to build teamwork through value and respect for one another.
What do you think is the best approach for empowering students, rather than enabling them?
The best approach for empowering students is to come into the classroom with a set of non-negotiable rules. That set of rules will remind the students what their purpose is for being in the classroom. This will ultimately lead them to a better future after Camelot.
How do you establish and foster relationships with students, especially those with challenging behaviors?
This is probably my favorite part of the job. It starts with my core philosophy: there is no such thing as a bad person. My spirituality allows me to believe that a person’s true identity is not on their surface behaviors. You have to look past stereotypes, tantrums, attitudes and disrespect. You have to trust they are truly good people. That helps me and drives my work. It’s a bit easier for me as an English teacher to foster relationships because I can acquire feedback through a student’s writing, to see a student’s perspective. The most powerful tool is allowing the conversation to take place and work on getting better results.
What does it mean to be a professional educator at Camelot?
I see it as an immense honor. Five years ago I couldn’t have imagined being in this position. I feel blessed to have worked with such a great staff and learning about my students’ experiences and perspectives. Teaching at Camelot has compelled me to look at the world differently.
