Mr. Marquivious Thomas| 6th Grade English Teacher | KIPP DC Northeast Academy
We are thrilled to announce Mr. Marquivious Thomas as KIPP DC’s February Staff Spotlight! Born and raised in Washington, DC, he received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Bowie State University. His exceptional contributions, including serving as a grade level chair and earning the Teacher of the Year award last year at Northeast Academy, underscore his commitment to educational excellence. As both a KIPP DC alum and a current KIPP DC parent, he brings a unique perspective to his role. Having personally experienced the transformative impact of exceptional teaching as a student, he now strives to deliver the same level of excellence to his own students. We recently had the pleasure of connecting with Mr. Thomas to delve into his remarkable journey at KIPP DC.
As someone who has experienced KIPP DC as a student, did that influence your decision to pursue a career in education, specifically at KIPP DC?
“Absolutely. Initially, I didn’t envision myself as a teacher. I was drawn to psychology to understand the complexities of human behavior. However, reflecting on pivotal moments in my life, I realized that teachers had a profound impact on me. They inspired me to strive for excellence and uplifted me during challenging times. I wanted to pay it forward by becoming an educator and empowering the next generation.”
Congratulations on your election as a teacher representative on KIPP DC’s board of directors! What inspired you to assume this pivotal role, and what transformative contributions do you envision making to the board?
“With my newfound position, I aspire to offer real-time feedback, bridging the gap between decision-makers and frontline educators. While recognizing that my experiences represent just a fraction of the diverse voices within our network, I’m spearheading a pilot focus group initiative to ensure that our collective wisdom informs boardroom discussions. It’s imperative that every teacher’s voice is heard, as it truly takes a collaborative effort to educate our students effectively.”
As a KIPP DC alumni, you have a unique perspective on the impact of KIPP’s education. How has your experience as a student in the KIPP DC Network influenced your approach as a teacher and even as a parent within that same community?
“My formative years at KIPP DC instilled core values like resilience, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. These principles have not only guided my professional growth but also shaped my role as an active member of society. My commitment to ensuring that no student settles for mediocrity stems from the high standards ingrained in me during my time as a KIPP DC student. As I interact with current students and families, I’m privileged to share a common background, allowing me to establish rapport effortlessly. Working alongside former teachers who now serve as colleagues, I personify the living embodiment of KIPP DC’s mission. This firsthand perspective grants me unique insights into the needs of our students and equips me to guide them towards success with empathy and understanding.”
Marquivious’ journey from student to teacher to advocate reflects the core values of the KIPP DC community. His dedication to uplifting students, coupled with his unwavering commitment to advocating for teachers, embodies the spirit of excellence and equity that defines KIPP DC. We couldn’t be more proud to feature him as this month’s spotlight.
