Growing up, Natalia Pierre was surrounded by younger cousins. Being the older child, she became the de facto big sister, keeping her cousins safe and on the right path. That nurturing role blossomed into a passion for empowering young people — helping them succeed just as she did her own family.
Natalia followed that passion to a career in teaching — a role she has held at Harlem Children’s Zone Promise Academy for over a decade.
At our top-performing charter school, Natalia has helped a generation of scholars thrive academically and build bright futures for themselves and their families. Though many years have passed, Natalia’s “why” — the reason she does this work — remains the same.
“It’s the scholars for me, every time,” she says. “Making a positive impact on them and empowering them to succeed has and always will be the reason I do this work.”
Keep scrolling to discover more about Natalia’s journey at HCZ Promise Academy.
A New Teacher Set Up to Succeed
As a new elementary school teacher fresh out of college, Natalia dealt with the challenges of anyone in her position: managing her scholars’ behavioral issues, navigating parent expectations, and coming up with daily lesson plans to keep her young ones engaged. Fortunately, she had HCZ Promise Academy’s community of support by her side.
“The teachers really are so supportive, like sharing different ideas that worked in their classroom,” says Natalia, currently a second-grade teacher. “My colleagues at HCZ Promise Academy are always around to help, even a decade later.”
Natalia also got the resources she needed to succeed in her teaching career. Not once has she had to reach into her own pocket to pay for school supplies: everything from paper and pencils to computers and Smartboards are all provided by HCZ Promise Academy.
Opportunities to Grow Professionally
Natalia has had opportunities to grow professionally as well. She participates in workshops hosted by Training and Development and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) teams. As a new teacher, she was paired with more tenured educators who helped her transition to their new role — part of HCZ Promise Academy’s unique culture of mentorship.
“These opportunities help you continually improve in the classroom and in your careers so you can best serve your scholars,” Natalia says.
Now a seasoned teacher herself, Natalia has become a mentor to a new generation of HCZ Promise Academy teachers (and if you come work with us, you may even get to know and learn from her!).
“I want to pay it forward and help other teachers because this is hard work,” she said.
“I want my scholars to know: their voices matter”
While she remains a dedicated colleague, Natalia’s first priority is, and always has been, her scholars. Every time she welcomes her little ones into the classroom, she encourages them to speak up and share their feelings, especially the shy ones. She knows that the growth they experience in the classroom will extend beyond it — to the real world and into adulthood.
“I want my scholars to know: their voices matter, their ideas matter, and they matter,” she says.
To make her scholars feel heard and seen, Natalia begins each day with “circle time,” something she learned during staff SEL workshops.
“It deepens my relationship with my scholars and it helps them develop a sense of self,” she says. “That goes hand-in-hand with learning, because when you feel comfortable with those around you, and everyone cares for each other, it makes for a positive learning environment.”
With the strong academic and emotional foundation Natalia provides her scholars, they will graduate from HCZ Promise Academy better prepared to succeed in college and in life.
Holding Onto Her ‘Why’
For many of us, teachers are among our first guides and mentors. We never forget those who made a lasting impact on our lives.
Natalia is just that kind of teacher. She credits the support she received as a young educator — and holding onto her “why” — to her longevity and to her success in her teaching career.
“Day after day, year after year, I never forget why I do this job,” says Natalia, who earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Manhattan College. “It’s to make sure my scholars have the academic foundation, the emotional support, and the love to be the best versions of themselves.”