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MEET COHORT VII

Meet the Residents of Cohort VII who are working hard to become excellent educators! 

Jorge Katawala

ELA Resident - West End Middle School

"This is one of the best programs to get quickly accustomed to the classroom setting. NTR gives me the opportunity to see what my role is going to be as an educator. I'm learning a lot already, and it's just the first week of school. I feel like I'm on the path to becoming a great teacher. "

Tell us about yourself.

Jorge: I am originally from Mozambique, where I lived for 28 years before moving to the states. I'm currently working to become an English Language Arts teacher at West End Middle School. 

What were you doing before you joined NTR? 

Jorge: I was working as a Parent Operations Coordinator, interpreter, and translator for Metro Nashville Public Schools. I've been working in MNPS for 7 years!

How would you describe your first week as a Resident? 

Jorge: It's been a good week! I've been adjusting to a new school and new students. Previously I worked at an elementary school, so I was accustomed to little ones. Being at a middle school is totally new for me. Middle schoolers are incredibly different than elementary students. I've loved being around the kids!

What should we know about you? 

Jorge: I enjoy working out and playing guitar. I am a father of 4 kids, two of whom are currently in high school. We spend a lot of time together playing video games, and I love watching them grow up. I also speak four languages. I grew up speaking Portuguese, and naturally, from there, I learned Spanish and English. Then a little bit later in life, I learned French. 

We know it's early in the year, but what makes NTR special? 

Jorge: This is one of the best programs to get quickly accustomed to the classroom setting. NTR gives me the opportunity to see what my role is going to be as an educator. I'm learning a lot already, and it's just the first week of school. I feel like I'm on the path to becoming a great teacher. 

Last thing, what words do you have for our community of supporters? 

Jorge: I'm entering the third and probably final act of my career. I always knew I wanted to teach in some capacity, and I'm excited to be on this journey. I'm grateful that NTR is giving me an opportunity to become a licensed teacher.
 

Check back this fall to meet the rest of Cohort VII!

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