Inspiring first graders, influencing teachers

The best teachers are special people because they don’t just teach, they inspire. This couldn’t be truer when it comes to Akayla Joseph, '18.

Akayla, a first-grade teacher at Winship Elementary in Houston, Texas, is passionate about being the teacher she always needed but never had. Her creativity and hands-on teaching style have a profound impact on her students, while her growing TikTok presence inspires and supports educators worldwide.

Five reasons that prove Akayla is a Fired Up alumna:

• The first-generation college student excelled at CMU, becoming a resident assistant and doing part of her student teaching in the Dominican Republic.
• She takes her students on “virtual field trips” and leads them in daily affirmations.
• Her TikTok channel currently has over 37,000 followers and showcases her life inside the classroom, her real-world experiences and tips, tricks and inspirational messaging for teachers.
• Her self-care journal encourages teachers to prioritize themselves.
• Her dedication to teaching and her students has not gone unnoticed:
  • She was a guest on the Jennifer Hudson Show and was presented with a $10,000 check from Lysol’s HERE for Healthy Schools program, which provides resources and disinfecting products to Title 1 schools.
  • She was a finalist for the Spring ISD Teacher of the Year. Check out this cool video of Akayla in action with her students!
  • She was nominated for the Honored Schools’ Life-Changing Teaching Award.
  • She received the Great Day Houston Red Apple Award, which honors one standout educator each month.

Joseph is an active advocate for increasing the number of teachers.

“We are raising and helping shape our future doctors, our future teachers, our future presidents, and we need good teachers to help inspire future generations,” she said. “If you’re interested in becoming a teacher, first of all, do it, and second, keep going. We need you, the world needs you, our future generations need you.”

“Ms. Joseph made a big impact on my daughter’s life. Not only did she encourage her academically, she encouraged her in her personal life. She helped her understand that she is unique and wonderful and has unlimited potential. She also inspired me to go back to school to finish my teaching degree. Thank you, Ms. Joseph for changing both of our lives.”