Jake Readinger is the Fifth Grade ELA Lead Teacher at Alma’s Frederick Douglass Campus.
What made you decide to join the Crew at Alma?
I loved the strong feelings of community and happiness I found on Alma’s website and were conveyed to me during the interview.
What do you hope to contribute to Alma?
I hope to create a fun, safe and inclusive classroom environment where my students can grow personally in a way that’s important to them
What teacher made a difference in your life, and how?
My gym teacher back in middle school made such a huge difference. He helped me find productive ways to channel a lot of the excess energy I had in the classroom.
Why did you become involved in education?
I thought I wanted to work in marketing in college and I had a job lined up for me in senior year. Then the pandemic hit and I lost my offer. During a job search I found a job in an education nonprofit in DC and decided to give it a go. I loved working with students and so I decided to continue on that path so teaching seemed like the next logical step.
Where did you go to college or post-secondary school?
Bowdoin College
What did you like about your college?
I loved the small size of Bowdoin because it made college really feel like a shared experience.
What is your favorite food?
Tacos
What is your favorite book?
Dune