Teacher Spotlight

K’iara Roberts

11th Grade



K’iara Roberts joined the Porter-Billups Leadership Academy family during the summer of 2020, finding the mission and story to be one of a kind. K’iara finds the structure of PBLA unique and of dire importance. Students are engaged in lifelong learning, networking, etiquette, and most importantly supported from day one. PBLA is truly a family that honors our students and entrusts their teachers to develop and create, creative learning spaces for students to be engaged beyond the school year.

She is currently a Teacher-Leader at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Early College, where she has taught: 7th grade Language Arts, Teaching Pathways through their Concurrent Enrollment Program, and is now teaching a 6-8th grade Literacy Elective Course that focuses on Social Justice. K’iara has led, alongside her building Principal, Kimberly Grayson the Know Justice, Know Peace work that continues to make changes across the Nation. She continues her pursuit to disrupt the inequalities in the education system by earning her license as a Special Education Generalist. Read more

Student Spotlight

Octavio Garcia

Junior

1. What is your favorite part of PBLA? By far, my favorite part of PBLA is the learning. That might sound extremely cliche, however its an absolute truth never in my personal experience have I been re-taught nor even reintroduced to what I've learned in the program. Not to mention the amazing teachers and staff which have taken care and supported us since 4th/5th grade.

2. What is the biggest lesson you have learned at PBLA? The biggest lesson that has been taught to me at PBLA isn't a pinpoint moment or year at the program, rather the collective teachings of personal growth during my time at the program. These lessons have enabled me to improve my knowledge, my character, and the people around me.

3. What are your future goals? My short term goal currently is to do well on my exams and SAT as they are slowly creeping up day by day. A slightly longer term goal would be to be accepted and go to a college or university.

4. What would you tell a kid or parents getting ready to start PBLA? To any kids or parents worried or maybe even scared to start you have the right to be, HOWEVER, if you're willing to take those first steps I promise you or your kid that it will only give you knowledge, friends, and cherished memories worth more than gold.

5. If you could have a super power, what would it be? Easy, Telekinesis so that I can technically fly and have super strength (kinda).