February Spotlight: Angela Harvey | Grow Academy
“I always wanted to be at KIPP DC because it’s like a community, a family,” shares Angela Harvey, a Dedicated Aide who brings warmth, patience, and an unwavering commitment to her preschool and kindergarten students.
Angela embodies the dedication that makes KIPP DC unique. With years of experience in education, she was drawn back to KIPP DC’s rigorous academics and nurturing environment. “My daughters graduated from KCP but started at KEY, and I love the rigor and how data drives students to achieve the best results. They had awesome teachers who worked with them if they had something they didn’t understand, and they were always given the help they needed.”
Angela’s role extends beyond her assigned students. She believes in uplifting every child. “I like to help all students who need help,” she shares. Her nurturing approach is centered on the belief that emotional security fuels academic success. When students know that someone cares about them, then they give the results that you need, and that leads them to success.”
Patience and consistency are at the center of her teaching approach. “I’ve learned how to be more patient with students. Often, you just try to get to the results so quickly, but you’re not always going to get the best result if you don’t have patience. You have to give them time.”
For Angela, the most rewarding part of her role is the deep connections she builds with students. “If they’re not happy, if they don’t feel loved, they don’t do well. That’s my ‘why,’” she shares. Moments like watching students blossom—from hesitant and shy to confident and engaged—fill her with pride. “When you see the progression happen, it makes you wanna cry. Kids that didn’t use to raise their hand because they were so shy, or kids that wouldn’t say an answer out loud but would whisper it – now they’re saying it out loud. Like that’s heartwarming to me.”
Angela’s first year at KIPP DC has been filled with meaningful experiences and strong relationships. “The staff is very kind, upbeat, and helpful. KIPP is different from the setting I left; they helped me jump right in and succeed with what I’m doing.”
She also appreciates leadership’s unwavering support, which includes resources and coaching to help staff succeed. “They really want you to be successful,” she emphasizes, “and that helps, having someone behind you, knowing they have your back.”
Angela Harvey’s dedication, warmth, and passion make her an invaluable part of the KIPP DC family—as she works to create a lasting impact on students, helping them grow with confidence, kindness, and resilience.
See photos from our visit to Grow Academy.
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