Name: Nari (Naotaro) Kato
Hometown: Torrance, CA
Program/cohort: MAT, Math cohort
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Brown University; Education Studies Major
What's your favorite part of the MAT program?
I loved the process of brainstorming ideas for future lessons with my peer student teachers, then preparing for those lessons at the library. Though it was quite a workload, it felt very worthwhile.
What drew you to Brown?
I decided to apply to the Combined BAMAT Program during my junior year at Brown. I decided to apply for this program because (1) I didn’t want to go through the hassle of graduate school applications and (2) I truly wanted to stay in Providence. I received so much from the PVD community throughout my four years as an undergrad, and I felt like I am able to give back through staying here as a teacher.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
My hometown of Torrance, California has four high schools: North High School, South High School, West High School and Torrance High School (for some reason there is no East High.) There is also a saying among students in the city: West is Best, North is Fourth. And I was a student at--you guessed it--North High.
As a high school student, I remember being frustrated that my school was labeled inferior to others. I couldn’t understand why schools only miles apart can be so different.
In retrospect, I was privileged to be able to attend a school that allowed me to reach higher education. I now know “The Gap” in our education system is much larger than what I experienced in high school: it divides not just neighborhoods but our entire society. The nation’s most vulnerable communities are the largest victims.
I think there are multiple avenues to respond to this reality. For me, what stands out is the art of teaching and the power of a classroom. And that’s why today, my life goal is to be a good teacher.
What are you most excited to teach?
For my student teaching, I taught two classes of Algebra 2. I was particularly excited to teach exponential growth, because it directly related to the news we saw everyday.
Where is your placement and what do you enjoy about it?
I taught at Hope High School. Students at Hope were very welcoming to us student teachers, which I really appreciated. Also, Mr. Goodman, the site leader, was a great person to receive advice. Lastly, the proximity of Hope to Brown allowed me to occasionally speak with students outside of school, which is pretty cool.
What is something you enjoy about living in Providence?
I like its “walkability.” Throughout my time here, I took many walks across the city, visiting different parks, stores, and restaurants. There’s so much history and culture to discover in a small space, I highly recommend taking a stroll.
What excites you the most about your post-graduation plans?
After finishing the program, I will be returning to the Los Angeles area to be the Director of Hope Learning Center, a K-12 after school program in Lomita, CA. (Yes, it’s named after Hope High School.) Hope Learning Center will be a place that supports the academic needs of youth and families in the South Bay Area, particularly for students from immigrant backgrounds.
I’m excited to be able to display what I have learned in the MAT Program, and all that I have learned so far in Rhode Island.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I like to watch YouTube videos about soccer (I’ve never played soccer) and cooking (I’m not good at cooking).
Who has made you the person you are today?
(1) My mom. (2) Mr. Barth, my 10th grade world history teacher. (3) Ali, my childrens theater company director. (4) Professor Patricia Sobral in the POBS Department.