Teacher Spotlight - April 2020

Ms. Satomi Fujikawa - 3rd Grade

What is your favorite…
Book: Matilda by Roald Dahl
Flower: California Poppy
Hobby/Activity: hiking and crafting
Movie: Up
Holiday: Christmas
Food/Dessert: Fruits
Vacation Spot: Yosemite National Park

How long have you been teaching?
13 years

Which grades/subjects have you taught?
3rd, 4th, and 5th grade

Tell us something about your family.
My grandparents lived with my family since I was born. Both my grandma and grandpa were very creative and loved creating things, so my sister and I grew up crafting and making art almost every day. They inspired me to explore and be creative... but that also meant that there were two more adults keeping us from getting in trouble.

Who/what inspired you to become a teacher?
My elementary school teachers inspired me to become a teacher, especially my fourth grade teacher. I also remember pretending my stuffed animals were my students and “teaching” them on my fake chalkboard. I even gave them grades!

What has been the most rewarding part of teaching?
The most rewarding part of teaching is watching kids get excited about learning something new.

Who was the most inspiring teacher in your life and why?
It’s so hard to choose my most inspiring teacher! I had so many, in elementary school all the way to high school and college.

If you could have one teacher super power, what would it be?
I would want to control time so that I can pause time or speed it up whenever I want.

Tell us something that might surprise us about you.
I am horrible at swimming, even though I keep trying and practicing... it’s embarrassing when I can’t finish one lap when the people next to me finish four!

What advice do you have for today’s kids?
Be kind to others and try new things even if it scares you.

What is your personal philosophy?
My personal philosophy is to love others.

What three traits define you?
Creative, nature-lover, lifelong learner