Orlando, Fla. — For A+ Teacher Tameka Solomon, teamwork truly makes the dream work.
Solomon’s unique teaching style allows her to connect deeply with her sixth graders at Odyssey Middle School in Orlando. “So I’m working doing my best, they’re working doing their best,” she says. “The parents are at home doing their best with the kids, so it’s everybody working together.”
Diving headfirst into the day’s science lessons, Solomon shares her journey. “Actually, teaching wasn’t my first career; I was a financial advisor. But after volunteering for Teach for America and shadowing a classroom teacher, I realized this is what I want to do.”
Her transition to teaching was smooth. “The next teaching fair opened up for OCPS, I went for my interview, was offered a job right on the spot, and that’s all she wrote. No looking in the rearview mirror.”
Now in her 20th year of teaching, with nine years at Odyssey, Solomon continues to ignite a passion for science. “I’ve always taught science because that’s my love. I love sharing my love of learning with the children. I’m still a learner myself, taking classes, and I enjoy passing on my enthusiasm for science to the next generation.”
She hopes to instill confidence in public education. “I want people to believe in public education and in teachers. We are working very hard and are passionate about what we do, aiming to help these kids become the best they can be.”
