Meet the KIPP NYC Team and Family
Hear from some of our teachers
Nicole Smith
Capoeira Teacher, Founding Teacher, KIPP AMP
With KIPP NYC since 2005
Why did you join KIPP?
I found out about it through a friend at the DOE, met with Ky [Adderley, KIPP AMP Principal], and told him my idea for the school. It was close to home in a community of predominantly African-American and Caribbean children. He wanted a school with a capoeira theme. He didn’t know anyone at the time, but that was his vision. I had written a grant proposal for a capoeira program six years earlier but didn’t get the approval. I presented the same exact idea unchanged to Ky, and he loved it. We decided it was a perfect fit.
What’s your vision for the KIPP AMP Capoeira Program?
We want to teach the kids about self-determinism; about being proud of self and heritage; to think critically for yourself; to go through the steps needed to reach your goal; to be strong mentally, physically, emotionally, and socially; the value of community; how to build community; and the ties to the larger community outside. Capoeira is an international art form found on every continent. It’s traditionally African, so it’s a way for kids to see that they are creators and to find cultural relevance that is African tradition. At KIPP, there is a lot of structure and commitment that is required from parents, kids, teachers, and administration. It is a full-fledged commitment that is very clear from the beginning.
How is teaching at a KIPP school different from teaching at your previous school?
Everyone is working towards a common goal. Now, I am given the opportunity to be someplace where everyone’s number one goal is success for the kids and getting them to a better place than where they are today, even if they’re at a good point today.
Why should teachers consider teaching at a KIPP school?
The relationships you develop with students and teachers are amazing. I have never gotten this close to people I’ve worked with or tried to assist. It starts with Dave [Levin, Superintendent]. He knows every teacher at every school. Everyone from top to bottom is connected. This allows for sharing of best practices, learning from each other, growing together, and experiencing both good and bad together.
