Meet Our Teachers
What makes teaching at KIPP DC unique? Find out from our teachers!
Visit Donny’s classroom at KIPP DC: LEAP Academy!
Donny Tiengtum was born and raised in Alexandria, VA, and then attended college at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. After graduating, Donny held several positions — AmeriCorps Promise. Fellow, Director of Programs and Development Director — at a local nonprofit called Greater DC Cares. It became clear that in order to maximize social change efforts, Donny needed to shift careers to work with the youngest of our community members, kindergarteners. Since joining KIPP DC in 2007, Donny says that the incredible support from administrators and veteran teachers has helped him improve as an instructor each and every year and now serves as the Kindergarten Grade Level Chair at LEAP Academy. While working hard to ensure that his students have all the skills needed so they never experience an achievement gap, he believes it is equally important that his students walk away from kindergarten as kind and loving friends.
Visit Kate’s classroom at KIPP DC: KEY Academy!
Kate Johnson began her teaching career with the Inner-City Teaching Corps, teaching middle school in Chicago. She came to KIPP DC in 2007, and she has held a variety of positions with us. She has taught 7th grade math, 6th grade reading, 5th grade reading, and she is now in her second year as a 4th grade literacy teacher. Kate came to KIPP DC because she loved the school culture and wanted to grow as a teacher. In 2011, Kate won the Harriett Ball Excellence in Teaching Award, which is given to 11 KIPP teachers across the national network who have a proven track record of improving student achievement. Kate’s favorite part about being a member of the KIPP DC team is the culture of support from the teachers, staff, and leadership team. She says she comes back every year because she knows each school year she will be able to do what she loves in an even better way.
Visit Hannah’s classroom at KIPP DC: Promise Academy!
Hannah Bortman began her teaching career with Teach For America in New York City. She came to KIPP DC after attending professional development at a KIPP school and realizing that KIPP DC would push her to be the best teacher. Hannah says that she grows as a teacher every day at KIPP DC because she gets focused and relevant feedback from her school leaders. KIPP DC has departmentalized teaching, even in the elementary school, which Hannah loves because focusing on literacy has given her the opportunity to deepen her understanding of early reading and writing skills. Hannah loves working at KIPP DC because she keeps growing and developing as a teacher, whether it is using data to inform her instruction or being a better classroom manager.
Want to join the KIPP DC Team & Family?
