Teacher Feature: Introducing Nataly
Nataly is one of those teachers who can’t help but engage her students in whatever she’s teaching. She has an infectious energy that students of all ages are drawn to, making her one of those rare teachers who can work with a wide range of grade-levels.
Our dean of academics says: “It’s hard to watch Nataly teach without a smile on your face! She is so bright, bubbly, and knows just how to connect with her students. If you think instruction with elementary school students online feels impossible, watch Nataly in action — she instructs and builds rapport, even virtually, with ease.”
Turns out Nataly is not only a superstar teacher and an award-winning children’s book author, she’s also a superstar singer! Learn more about Nataly below.
About Nataly
Nataly graduated from the University of La Verne with a master's degree in education and Cal Poly Pomona with a bachelor of arts degree in English. Shortly after graduating from Cal Poly, she entered the teaching profession and taught full-time for 15 years as a high school English and history teacher.
Nataly eventually traded in teaching full-time to teach part-time while simultaneously working as a literary editor. She finds immense satisfaction in teaching writing and motivating young students to explore literature.
Nataly has been working with students since 1998 in English, writing, cultural studies, such as African American and Latinx studies, and American history at the high school level. Additionally, Nataly is an award-winning children's book author. When Nataly isn't tutoring she can be found performing with her band in the Bay Area or traveling.
Q & A with Nataly
When did you start teaching and why?
Right after I graduated from college and while I was in between touring as a background singer, I started substitute teaching at a local high school. After the academic year ended, the principal of the school offered me a full-time position teaching English.
What’s your favorite subject to teach and why?
American Literature is my favorite subject. Not only does it reflect the history of this country but it is also filled with rich figurative language.
What do you enjoy most about teaching with Pacific Preparatory?
I enjoy working one-on-one with my students and helping them develop academically and personally as individuals.
Can you tell me about a specific time when you saw a student thriving at Pacific Preparatory?
I have a student who was initially reluctant to reading and writing assignments. Now this student is flourishing in those subjects and requesting that we read more!
What are your top 3 book recommendations in your subject area?
The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates, The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson, and Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
What’s your favorite activity outside of teaching?
I am a professional singer, so when I am not teaching or editing, I am gigging, writing music, and recording.
What are you learning about right now?
I'm currently facilitating a university course on Black History. Although I am very informed on this subject, I am constantly learning new information.
What’s your favorite place you’ve traveled and why?
My favorite place is Vinales, Cuba. The people are lovely, food is delicious, and the small town is surrounded by gorgeous, vibrant nature.
From a parent:
“I am beyond grateful to have had the good fortune of being paired up with Nataly Wright as our daughter’s teacher. As a former classroom teacher, Nataly brings her depth of educational experience to each tutoring session. She has a strong command of the material she teaches and makes sure she stays up to speed with the content of each of our daughter’s assignments.
For example, for English reading assignments, she makes sure to read the chosen book along with our daughter. This makes her better able to offer guidance, answer questions, and challenge our daughter to stretch academically. Nataly is warm, approachable, kind, patient, and has a genuine interest in creating the most positive learning experience for our daughter.
Nataly has taken the time to truly get to know our daughter--her likes/dislikes, interests, strengths & areas for growth. She has built a great rapport with our daughter & has created a trusting, supportive relationship with her. On top of all that, Nataly is fun, authentic, dynamic and engaging which makes each session enjoyable and effective. I couldn’t have handpicked a better teacher!”
Thanks for all of your hard work and dedication to your students, Nataly. Your students are lucky to have you.