Faculty and Staff
Why I teach at EPAA...
"Six years ago, I came to East Palo Alto Academy with a kindling aspiration to, one day, make the transition out of the classroom and into administration. I loved being in the classroom but also wanted to make a wider impact on the school. Six years and a master's in educational leadership later, I'm still in the classroom and love it. The many leadership opportunities that I have been able to take part of have given me the chance to have the best of both worlds. EPAA is truly a special place where teachers' voices matter and teachers are depended on and entrusted to do so much more outside of their classrooms to make the ambitious dream of getting all of our students college-ready possible."
- Derek Ang, Science Dept. Chair, Leadership Team Member, Maker Space Founder & Facilitator, Charter Advisory Board Member
“East Palo Alto Academy is unique in its approach to teacher leadership because our administrators strive to cultivate a powerful and passionate team to turn our vision into a reality. With 10 years of teaching experience, I love the fact that complacency is not the status quo; teachers, like students, are empowered to be life-long learners and to engage in shared decision-making processes. Not only is there something for everyone, there is room for everyone to grow in their unique gifts and interests. Growing in this sense means that we thrive as professionals with a clear idea of our own needs as individuals with a common vision.”
- Makailah Perkins, Social Studies Dept. Chair, Charter Advisory Board Member & Advisory Lead Teacher