Rookie Teacher Adopts FIRST to Inspire At-Risk Students

For most teachers, looking back to their first year of teaching doesn’t conjure up fond memories. Many educators admit that no amount of college coursework, or the required student-teaching stints, can prepare first-year teachers for the challenges of their very own classroom. Most educators cite classroom management, lack of guidance and resources for lesson planning, and unsupportive environments as their greatest difficulties during their first year of teaching. Despite these obstacles, Michaela Brant, a first-year biology teacher, volunteered for an additional responsibility: starting a FIRST Robotics Competition team at her school.

After graduating from college in 2012 with her bachelor’s degree in biology, Michaela was offered at job at Apollo High School, a Continuation high school in San Jose, California. Apollo High School ultimately gives juniors and seniors a second chance; students who were unsuccessful in their first years of high school, and at risk of failing or dropping out of school altogether, can apply to this Continuation school to make up credits from past years and continue with their regular grade-level coursework.

While Apollo High provides students with an incredible opportunity to prove they want to get back on the right track with their education, Michaela quickly noticed that something was missing.

“The students didn’t have anything to belong to,” explained Michaela. “Apollo doesn’t have any sports teams or extracurricular activities, and I wanted to give them something to start over with.”

As a FIRST Alum (she was a member of FIRST Robotics Competition Team 1868, “Space Cookies”), Michaela knew that she wanted to incorporate FIRST into her teaching someday. Her initial thought was to wait two or three years before starting a team, but her plans changed once she realized her students needed something to belong to now. It also didn’t hurt that FIRST Regional Director for California, Jim Beck, sprang into action after Michaela first contacted him with the idea – he helped her acquire sponsorship to fund the team, and invited her and some Apollo High students to the CalGames (an off-season event) as observers to help pique students interest.

“Jim really talked me into it,” Michael laughed. “With the opportunity for sponsorship and Jim’s support, I felt like I could do it. The school administration has also been great, and very supportive.”

With the necessary funding and plenty of people rooting for her, Michaela moved forward with forming the first-ever FIRST Robotics Competition team at Apollo High School. She recruited a total of 14 students – nine girls and five boys – to Team 4543, “The Illuminators.”

While managing an FIRST Robotics Competition team is no small undertaking, Michaela used her experiences as a former team member and Mentor (she mentored Team 254, “The Cheesy Poofs,” and Team 973, “Greybots” while in college) to her advantage. Her secret to success is simple: let the students learn on their own through trial and error.

“I just let them figure it out! They liked the freedom I gave them,” said Michaela. “It was a whole new frontier for these students; they had never worked with tools before.”

With Michaela’s support and guidance, “The Illuminators” went on to have an impressive rookie season. The team took home the Rookie All-Star Award and the Highest Rookie Seed at both the Silicon Valley and Central Valley Regional events. The Rookie All-Star Award celebrates a rookie team exemplifying a young but strong partnership effort, as well as implementing the mission of FIRST; to inspire students to learn more about science and technology.

Beyond winning prestigious awards, Michaela’s students accomplished much more through these rich experiences.

“Everything was new to them,” said Michaela. “Some of these kids had never been to a sit-down restaurant before, or to a hotel, or even out of San Jose. Through FIRST, I could open their eyes to other communities and the world. They got to see how other people live.”

Michaela also noticed a positive change in overall classroom behavior – the students participated more, and became role models within the school.

“My students went from hardly attending school to logging 3,500 hours on the team,” said Michaela. “Most of these kids never pictured themselves going to college, and if they did, it was never for something technical.”

Eleven of the 14 students on the team were seniors. Ten of these 11 students graduated with more than the required credits, and they are all on track to attend community college. The graduates also plan to return to Apollo High to visit and mentor the FIRST Robotics Competition team.

“FIRST provides students with the opportunity to see life in a different way,” said Michaela. “My students didn’t see these paths for themselves before. They can think: ‘Now I can do it, because I know I can do it.’”

Michaela hopes that “The Illuminators” can compete again next season. Apollo High School has a high turnover rate (many students go back to their “home” school once they catch up on credits), but she has already recruited some juniors to join the team in the upcoming school year.