Hint: It’s about teamwork
In addition to Write To Success, I teach English linguistics and literature for the Crimson Global Academy Da Vinci program, which offers one-to-one classes for students who want a personalized learning experience.
Last week, a colleague sent me a note saying I’d been written up in the newsletter.
I’m sharing what they said because 1) it’s flattering and 2) it illustrates important points about education.
To wit: no teacher is an island, and student success — especially for gifted, twice-exceptional and neurodivergent learners — relies on administrative, pastoral and pedagogical cooperation.
They say
Welcome to our new Teacher Spotlight! This is a space where Leadership highlights the incredible work our teachers do every day—not only in the classroom, but in the ways they inspire and support students beyond academics.
Cila doesn’t just teach English—she teaches the whole student. She takes time to really get to know her learners, support them as people, and cheer them on in and out of the classroom. When one student mentioned he was struggling with staying up too late, Cila didn’t brush it off—she walked him through real strategies to help build a healthier sleep routine. That’s the kind of care that makes such a difference!
I say
What I love about this is the sensitivity to holistic learning. Everyone knows that sleep is vital to cognition, but most schools continue on schedules that compromise health and learning capacity.
Online schools offer more flexibility, but it’s heartening to see CGA not just offering but encouraging attention to whole-student well-being.
I remember the class and conversation: I was thinking, “anyone reviewing this session might think I’m wasting time on small talk” — it is wonderful to know that’s not the case, for my students’ sakes.
They say
She also has a gift for connecting learning to her students’ passions. One of her students who loves storytelling and Transformers has, with Cila’s encouragement, turned that love into a screenplay, with high-energy action and riveting dialogue!
I say
Whenever and however possible, I teach to student interests. Among other topics, this had led to dives into bluefin fishing, professional golf, Percy Jackson, Russian reality TV and, as noted, Transformers.
Not all educational organizations would be okay with this. In fact, one of the things that has long kept me out of conventional classrooms is a horror of being forced to teach certain things in certain ways.
Being given the freedom to adapt to my pupils’ needs en route to their learning goals, and being recognized for doing so, is tremendously encouraging.
They say
And it’s not just students who notice—parents do too. One mom shared how thankful she is for Cila, saying her son now loves English and has more motivation to do his schoolwork than ever before.
I say
Much lip service is paid to instilling a love of learning, but less time is spent considering how that actually happens.
Hint: its not by forcing kids to do things they find horrible.
One of the things I love about working with exceptional kids is they are can be exceptionally blunt: they tell me when I’m confusing, boring or plain dumb.
I appreciate the feedback — and the challenge. By listening acknowledging and valuing their views, I win a lot of reciprocal trust and leeway.
Students will say, “I don’t enjoy this, but if you say we need to do, I will.”
Again, this approach and attitude falls outside many traditional ideas about education. The old-school approach is boss and bully kids because they can’t possibly know what’s best.
Holistic = teacher, admin, counsellor, student
Teaching for Da Vinci gives me the privilege of operating outside rigid conventional frameworks, and a chance to support individual pupils as they deserve.
All teachers complain about administrators now and again, but I hate admin, and am rubbish at it. My work is made possible by the good work and progressive attitude of CGA’s administration and pastoral staff.
There are many benefits of private tutoring, a la Write To Success, but it is only part of a learner’s journey.
Exceptional students, in particular, require a robust supportive community.
Hence why I teach for CGA, tutor, offer small-group workshops, etc. Young people’s needs evolve continuously and their educational network should move with them.
There is no competition between brick-and-mortar schools, online institutions, private tutors, coaches, counsellors, parents or whomever. Each has a vital role to play: cooperation and mutual appreciation are what makes for happy successful students.