At Innovations Academy (IA), a tuition-free K-8 public charter school in San Diego, our philosophy isn’t something teachers just post on a classroom wall; we live it and even choose it for our own children, too.
After years teaching at private schools, second grade teacher Natalie Moiseve wanted something different when it was time for her kids to start school — a place where learning is hands-on, curiosity is the curriculum, and children are trusted to grow. She found Innovations Academy, applied for a teaching position, and started her kids here too. We sat down with Natalie to hear what keeps her inspired and what that looks like in action every day.
Please tell us about your background and how you found Innovations Academy.
I had been teaching at private schools for many years, but when it was time for my own children to go to school, I wanted a school with a philosophy that matched Innovations Academy. So, I applied and started working here. My son is now in 4th grade and my daughter is in 1st grade.
What do you LOVE about Innovations Academy? What sets it apart from other schools?
Teachers have the freedom to target student interests to increase motivation and agency. We look at topics and standards from the perspective of exacting change and helping kids realize that knowledge can be used to make improvements in the community.
What are your favorite parts about your role?
I like the creativity of planning lessons. I love to see when kids who have been struggling with a concept finally have a breakthrough.
In your opinion, what makes a great leader? How do you teach leadership?
Leaders look at the strengths of the people they are leading and help them grow those strengths and use them in productive ways. Leaders set an example for others to follow. Leaders are humble, but are aware of their own talents and are not shy about using them. In second grade, I teach leadership by acknowledging positive behaviors and quality work when it shows up. I give students opportunities to be a leader by choosing them to be the exemplar for a particular task, like showing the class how to get materials correctly.
There are great Social Emotional Learning activities/opportunities at Innovations Academy- can you share a story about seeing learners using them in action (or yourself!!)?
I hear students using I-statements when they are in conflict with a peer. I see students use our Wheel of Choice (a Positive Discipline approach IA uses to teach SEL) to regulate themselves when their lid is flipped. I use the breathing techniques often when I am feeling overwhelmed or frustrated.
Please give us a couple examples of hands-on project-based learning in your classroom.
When I taught third grade, students created a plant information list for Tecolote Canyon visitors to use when they visited the center. In second grade, students walked around the street by our school to pick up trash. They noticed that the most common piece of trash was cigarette butts. They wanted to make the businesses around the area aware that trash goes down our storm drains toward the ocean. They invited businesses to a presentation to tell them about the trash problem and created a pact that they asked those business members to sign.
What is something you wish you knew at age 19?
What love is. ❤️
5 More Fun Facts About Natalie:
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done (besides teaching/working in education!)?
scuba diving in Vietnam
What’s your secret talent?
playing piano
What is the scariest animal?
skunks
What is the best compliment that you have received?
my kids telling me I’m a good mom
If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life every day, what would it be?
broccoli soup
Yum!? Now we want to know if Natalie’s kids say she is a good mom because she feeds them broccoli soup or because she eats theirs for them… Learn more about Natalie and other teachers here on our website. Check out more about our small, tuition-free K-8 and enroll today!
About Innovations Academy:
Innovations Academy is a tuition-free public charter school serving kindergarten through eighth grade in San Diego, California. Our small school values a hands-on, inquiry-based education with high academic standards using self-expression, compassionate connection, and purposeful learning. Our new modern campus is intentionally designed with curiosity and exploration in mind. Join our innovative school today! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Find us at innovationsacademy.org.