This Third-Grade Teacher Gets Joy From Watching Her Kids Progress

Ahead of the 2024 school year, PS's The Educators is spotlighting 24 public school teachers around the country who are making a difference.

Mandy Tu is a third-grade teacher at El Dorado Elementary in San Francisco. She's entering her second year of teaching, and she's constantly inspired by seeing her students' learning progress in reading and math. Keep reading to get to know her.

What inspired you to be a teacher?
During COVID, I was working at an after-school program where I helped the students with their schoolwork when they were doing distance learning. While helping them with their work, I started gaining an interest in what teaching would be like in a classroom. This led me to pursue my teaching credential and master's in education, and I now have my own classroom.

What's the most rewarding part of your job?
Seeing the students make progress in something they couldn't do well before.

What's your go-to teaching uniform?
A hoodie, T-shirt, leggings, and sneakers. Always ready to move!

What do you always make time for because it makes you feel good?
Anime and gaming with friends.

How do you practice self-care?
I make sure that I always have at least a few days a month where I can have me time and do things that help me feel less stressed and reset. Gaming, anime, and listening to music always help reset my mood.

What's your fitness routine?
Drinking water throughout the day, watching YouTube workout videos, running, and doing weighted workouts three times a week.

How do you keep from getting sick during the school year?
I make myself and my students hand sanitize after they come back from playing outside and clean the classroom every Friday. If my students or I feel sick, masks are optional for everyone based on their comfort level. Water is also a must.

What's your go-to feel-good music?
Any song from the K-pop group Seventeen.