At Innovations Academy, some of the strongest advocates for our community are the ones who’ve grown alongside it. After ten years teaching in IA classrooms, Emily Luscomb now serves students and families as our assistant director. Her story says a lot about what keeps people connected to this school long after the first bell rings.
Please tell us about your background and how you found Innovations Academy.
From 2012 to 2022, I had the privilege of teaching at Innovations Academy, where I worked with students in 2nd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grades. During that decade, I developed a deep appreciation for the school’s strong sense of community, built through meaningful relationships with students, families, and colleagues. I was especially drawn to the school’s commitment to social-emotional learning and project-based instruction, both of which align with my belief in fostering independent, empathetic, and critical thinkers. This year, I’m excited to continue my role as assistant director for the next school year.
What do you LOVE about Innovations Academy? What sets it apart from other schools?
I love how we teach children to be critical thinkers and problem solvers. We teach children that life is meant to be enjoyed and that enjoyment comes with perseverance and overcoming obstacles and challenges to be your best self.
What does great leadership mean to you?
A great leader is someone who is honest with their team and themselves. You have to be able to admit when you don’t know something or made a mistake while also holding a high bar for success.
What are your favorite parts about your role?
I love being able to bee bop around and see the fun learning that is happening in every classroom. Students are excited to be here and it’s because our teachers are excited about what they’re teaching.
There are great Social Emotional Learning activities/opportunities at Innovations Academy- can you share a story about seeing students using them in action?
Outside breaktime can lead to disagreements. I love being able to see students make a mistake and own it right away. They are checking-in on each other and taking responsibility for things they have done that resulted in someone’s feelings or body being hurt. It’s wonderful to see students take charge in these situations and mend their friendships without too much adult support. This happens after a safe community has been established and this becomes the norm of the classroom community.
What are some events you enjoy at Innovations Academy?
I really love the Halloween Carnival and the exhibition nights. These occasions are always filled with so much fun and excitement. The Halloween carnival is the first big event after Open House, so it’s great to see students come with new relationships formed. Exhibition Night is always such an exciting night to see the students showcase everything they’re proud of in their learning.
Fun Facts About Emily:
Do you have any pre-classroom rituals?
Exercise before work!
What’s the best lesson you’ve learned as a teacher?
To live life with the same joy, excitement and adventurous spirit as a child.
What is the best compliment that you have received?
One student wrote me a note years after I had him that said how influential I was in his life, even though he didn’t act like it at the time.
What did you want to be when you were 5?
I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. It seemed so fun!
What is something you wish you knew at age 19?
Work hard and be nice.
Early bird or night owl? How early? How late?
Early Bird! I climb in bed around 7:30 and get up with the sun.
If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life every day, what would it be?
My mom’s homemade mac n’ cheese! It’s so gooey and delicious. No other mac n’ cheese compares.
And extra credit:
- I was on a game show in the Philippines and won. It was called Wowowwin!
- I have a little chihuahua named Tanner. I love him.
From classroom teacher to school leader, we love Emily’s commitment to our thriving school community. Want to hear more stories like this from the people who make Innovations Academy home? Catch up on more staff profiles on our blog. Interested in hearing more about IA? 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.