History doesn’t sit still in Kristy Fitts’ classroom at Innovations Academy (IA), a tuition-free K-8 public charter school in San Diego– especially with America’s 250th birthday around the corner. Meet the 5th grade Humanities teacher turning milestones into hands-on, hearts-in learning experiences that take her students back in time and bring history to life.
Please tell us about your background and how you found Innovations Academy.
This is my third year at IA and my 15th year of teaching. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, as well as a Master of Arts in Education. I possess both a K-8 Multiple Subject Credential and a Single Subject credential in English Language Arts. I’ve had the opportunity to teach grades K-1 and 5th-8th.
What do you LOVE about Innovations Academy? What sets it apart from other schools?
Innovations Academy aligns with my philosophy and feels like a great fit. Teachers have flexibility to create lessons and curriculum that align with state standards but are not state test driven. Instead, we are project-based driven and our school uses Responsive Classroom and a Positive Discipline approach. Plus the school allows teachers and staff to bring their dogs to school.
What are your favorite parts about your role?
Teaching social emotional skills and connecting with my students.
What activities are you involved in at Innovations Academy?
I have hosted summer camps including a photography camp.
In your opinion, what makes a great leader? How do you teach leadership?
A good leader, leads by example, is kind and shows empathy, is fair and understanding, and takes the time to get to know the people they are working with. In my class we teach leadership by using our social emotional lessons and talk with respect and kindness to each other.
How have you seen social emotional learning in action at Innovations Academy?
Students request to do check-ins, have great social awareness, and use I-Statements in dealing with conflicts.
Recently your class used America’s upcoming 250th birthday to work on some hands-on project-based learning in your classroom. Please tell us what you did.
Fifth grade has been exploring the Road to the American Revolution as we prepare to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. Students have stepped back in time to experience history in action.
We have read and analyzed key historical events, then brought them to life through our interactive Walk Through the American Revolution, where students portrayed famous historical figures, memorized lines, and performed short skits.
Students also learned to play “Yankee Doodle Dandy” on the recorder, built colonial ships in STEM, sent postcards out to the 50 states, and entered the America 250 writing competition.
Finally, each student designed and embroidered their own personal flag to represent themselves.
What is something you wish you knew at age 19?
Don’t be afraid of change, you can do hard things.
Fun Facts About Kristy:
- I was born on Christmas Day and my name starts with a K after Kris Kringle.
- My Jeep was built for rock crawling and it was featured in magazines and commercials for the brands I represented. I was sponsored by Rock Star Garage. My build was featured at SEMA in Las Vegas for the Odyssey Battery Booth.
- I love to be outside hiking or stand up paddle boarding.
- I’m from Whidbey Island in Washington state.
- Learn more about Kristy and other teachers here on our website. Check out more about our small, tuition-free K-8 and enroll today!
About Innovations Academy:
Innovations Academy is a tuition-free public charter school serving kindergarten through eighth grade in San Diego, California. Our small school values a hands-on, inquiry-based education with high academic standards using self-expression, compassionate connection, and purposeful learning. Our new modern campus is intentionally designed with curiosity and exploration in mind. Join our innovative school today! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Find us at innovationsacademy.org.