Cytec Academy teacher Nani Wall. (Carlos Guerrero/Daily Democrat)
Like probably many kids, when Nani Wall was a child, one of her favorite activities to do with the neighborhood kids was to play pretend school.
But this simple childhood game turned out to be more than just pretend play. For Wall, becoming a teacher was always the plan.
A Washington native, Wall earned a bachelor's degree in education from Eastern Washington University before moving to California where he earned his teaching certification. Ms. Wall settled into a teaching career in Southern California before her best friend moved north to take a principal's job in the Woodlands area.
“At the time, I was living in a small desert town called California City, and there wasn't much going on,” Wall said. “I was thinking of moving somewhere else, but I had a friend here. My friend said, 'The school district is hiring,' so we came in for an interview. I was able to enroll in this school.”
Ms. Wall taught at Maxwell Elementary School for one year before transferring to Tafoya Elementary School. After about eight years in the Woodland area, Wall began looking into teaching opportunities overseas.
“I've always wanted to teach abroad, so I was looking for something on the internet and came across an organization called English First that was looking for teachers,” Wall explained. “Once I registered, an interview was set up and everything fell into place right away.”
Wall moved to China and taught 2- to 6-year-olds at a school called California Kids Club. Wall explained that in the United States, she is considered a kindergarten teacher, but in China she is technically a kindergarten teacher.
“It was started by a couple with children in California who wanted to start a school,” Wall explained.
Wall ultimately served as director of California Kids Club for five years before deciding it was time to return home. She started attending Sci-Tech Academy after she moved back to the area in 2016 and she has been there ever since.
Although Wall has taught a variety of grades, she explained that she enjoys kindergarten because she loves the opportunity to see the children grow.
“Children are interested in so many things, and not all children will not grow up, but many children come to kindergarten without letters or sounds,” Wall emphasized. “I just love seeing how much they can grow and seeing their curiosity and excitement about learning. It's just fun.”
Wall said she likes to incorporate a combination of fun and structure into her classroom.
“I think I'm a little goofy, but I'm pretty routine,” Wall said. “I don't treat them like babies because they're not babies. I have high expectations for them and expect them to achieve them, but if we're goofy and There’s also a silly side that can be playful and bring in some fun.”
Science Tech Academy Principal Maria Martinez said Wall is “working harder than ever to ensure that every student feels supported and empowered to reach their full potential.” ” he said.
“Nani Wall has an incredible talent for fostering connections with students, parents, families and the broader community,” Martinez praised. “Her classroom is more than just a place for learning. It is a sanctuary where students feel seen, heard, and valued. Through her warm demeanor, genuine interest, and unwavering support, students are encouraged to learn academically. We also create an environment where they can grow emotionally and socially.
“She embodies the essence of commitment, commitment and an exceptional ability to build relationships within our school community.”
Martinez also said Wall has served as a mentor to two new teachers, sharing “her wealth of experience, insight and strategies to help them navigate the challenges of their profession.” Ta.
“Her teaching is more than just teaching. It is a testament to her commitment to developing the next generation of educators who, like her, are dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of their students.” Martinez he said.
Outside of the classroom, Ms. Wall is married and has two daughters, five grandchildren, and one grandson who is “technically a cousin, but more like a granddaughter.” In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends, reading murder mysteries, and helping my cousin girl scout events and camps.
In her experience teaching at various schools and overseas, Wall said her favorite part has always been the relationships she has built with her colleagues, mentors and students. When her students leave at the end of the year, she said she wants them to take away her appreciation for her education.
“I want them to take away a love of learning and a kind of growth mindset,” Wall said. “I want them to know that they can continue to grow and change and learn and that it will never stop for them.”
