Enrichment Team

Jada Bryan-Whitfield is the Science Learning Coordinator for the Virtual Learning Program. She is born and raised in New York City (with some time spent in the Hudson Valley) and has a desire to experience as many cultures as she can. While enrolled in college at the University at Albany, Ms. Bryan’s love for science transcended into majoring in Human Biology which a minor in Childhood Psychology. During her Junior year of college, Ms. Bryan received a teaching internship in the Bronx and became in love with education when she realized she can blend Science and Psychology into the classroom. Ms. Bryan began her career at KIPP NYC as a Founding 5th grade Science teacher while earning her Master’s in Education at Relay Graduate School in NYC. After two years of teaching, the pandemic changed the scope of how education was received. While becoming fully remote as an Educator, Ms. Bryan developed a passion for students receiving high engaging and quality Science Education virtually. She’s excited to be one of the founding teachers for this program and loves the excitement that students still have for science virtually! Outside of teaching, Ms. Bryan loves to dance, listening to music/podcasts, read, travel, try new foods, museums and going to music festivals!

Sarah Stroup is the Art Learning Coordinator for the KIPP DC Virtual Learning Program. A native Ohioan, she has called the DMV area home for the last six years. She earned a bachelors in psychology at Wellesley College and a masters in education at Ohio University.  Sarah spent five years teaching math in the DC and Arlington public schools, but joined the KIPP DC Virtual Learning Program in 2021 to pursue her passion for innovation and creativity in education.  From a young age, Sarah has been involved in dance, music, and the fine arts, and seeks to encourage students’ creative skills, too, by hosting a weekly art club featuring drawing, painting, collage, and more.  Outside of school, she loves to hike, visit art exhibits, read, and practice ink painting and collage art as often as she can.

April Jefferson, or as many refer to her “The Coolest Teacher in the Land”, has used her life experience to make an impact in making education the coolest place to be. Prior to her arrival in the Virtual Learning Program, she was born and raised in Atlanta Georgia. In 2011, she moved to Houston to attend the University of Houston and gain a B.S. in Hospitality Management. While earning her degree she also grew her musical abilities as well. After a short career in Event Production Management, she entered the world of education as an Elementary School Music Teacher in 2017 at KIPP Peace Elementary in Houston’s 3rd Ward. After leaving KIPP Peace, she was the founder of the music program at Griggs EC/PK/K School in North Houston. She has lead engaging Professional Development sessions across Texas, including a session at the Texas Music Educator’s Conference in San Antonio. While at Griggs, she started making her mark in Social Media with her wildly popular YouTube Channel “The Coolest Teacher in the Land." So much so that in the Fall of 2020, April was recognized on the local ABC and FOX stations for her song and music video, “Wear a Mask”, which went viral during the pandemic. She currently serves as the Digital Learning Creator of Early Childhood Education using her creativity to engage the littlest minds. Outside of work, she enjoys going to concerts, serving at local churches as a worship leader and music director, working part-time as a DJ, writing and producing music, cooking and curating recipes, and spending time with her husband Marston and their dog Marty.