Tomica Parham-Lema

I am a behavior interventionist at Kuumba Academy, but when I started working here, I was a fourth-grade teacher. I help teachers manage classrooms. If a student is disruptive in class, we can take him out and talk about what he is doing and how we can fix the issue. We like to mentor them on the right path.

I spend my day at Kuumba Academy on my feet. From 7:55 in the morning till 3PM I help students and teachers. In addition, I help monitor the breakfast we serve here and escort students to their designated classrooms.

I am a very passionate person. Due to that, this job fits me well. There are times when I am very serious and firm but I have a deep passion for kids and students. I  can explain to them what skills  they need to reach that mountain top, with one of my phrases being  "no work, no play."

Like many child educators, for me most memorable is seeing these students grow into successful people. That is one of my most significant accomplishments as a person. I have scholars that are 30 years old right now that still reach out to me and tell me where they are in their life. There are also times when some of my former scholars might fall on hard times, but find comfort in reaching out to me. This makes me feel very accomplished by being the person who people trust and look up to. My sense of humor makes them feel better. That is something that makes me unique.

Interview by Alan Garcia and Ola Al-Rubaye, spring 2023