Through our Faculty/Staff Spotlight series, we invite our community members to get to know Gulliver Prep teachers and staff members across every division. This week, our spotlight features Joshua Rugama, Lower School Faculty. Read on to learn more about his journey at Gulliver, his favorite memories, and how he inspires his students in the classroom!
How long have you been at Gulliver?
This is my second year teaching at Gulliver.
What is one favorite memory from your time here and one thing people may not know about you?
One of my favorite memories has been driving to Gulliver with my nephew every morning last school year. Listening to him talk about his classes, friends, and basketball games was always a nice way to start the day!
One thing people may not know about me is that I love aviation and traveling! If I had not chosen a career in education, I might have become a pilot.
As a third & fourth grade teacher, how do you keep your students engaged in learning?
Third and fourth grade science topics are always really exciting! I am able to incorporate so many videos, songs, tools, and hands-on experiments to teach new concepts. Building meaningful connections with my students also makes the learning process even more engaging for them.
What is your favorite thing about teaching and why?
My favorite part of teaching is creating strong bonds with both students and their families. It is always so nice to run into past families that I worked with and hear all the things they are up to.
What advice would you give to Lower School students as they transition to
Middle School?
I always remind my students to be respectful, stay organized, and most importantly, be true to themselves. These traits are key as they meet new friends, teachers, and take on new challenges in Middle School, becoming more independent along the way!
How do you incorporate Gulliver’s core values ( Explore, Empower, Nurture, Pioneer) into your classroom, lessons, and students?
In my classroom, I am able to incorporate Gulliver’s core values in nearly every science lesson. Together, my students and I explore the world around us through hands-on investigations. Using their curiosity, students are empowered to ask questions and think critically. I also encourage them to be pioneers, challenging them to discover new things about the world and themselves!
Support Our Faculty:
Joshua Rugama, inspires his students through engaging science lessons that foster exploration and critical thinking. By contributing to The Gulliver Fund, you support dedicated educators like Joshua, ensuring they have the resources needed to empower and nurture our children. Join us in celebrating our faculty and enriching our students’ educational experiences— click here to donate.
