Prisma is the world’s most engaging virtual school that prepares kids for the ever-changing world of the future. Our team of educators have a diverse background of experience on the cutting edge of teaching and learning, whether they’ve worked in brick and mortar schools or dynamic online environments. In our Meet the Team blog series, you’ll get to read more about the amazing educators behind Prisma.

Alecia Tumpap joined Prisma in Spring 2024 as an Academic Learning Coach at Prisma High School, specializing in Science. 

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Where are you based? 

I am based in Maui, HI (where I was born and raised!). I recently moved back home with my dog, Ziggy, to be closer to my family. Prior to moving back to Hawaii, I had spent 10 years in Kansas City, MO.

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Tell us a little bit about your background in education and why you were excited to join Prisma. 

After graduating from Gonzaga University, I earned my teaching certificate through participating in the Teach for America program. I worked in public and charter schools in Kansas City, MO as a middle and high school science teacher. Then I became the STEM instructional coach at a founding charter high school and was able to oversee our math and science departments. 

One of the reasons I was drawn to Prisma is the culture around feedback and revisions. I love that Prisma learners develop a healthy relationship with constructive criticism, learning that feedback is a tool to promote growth.

Prisma takes a project-based, interdisciplinary approach to teaching high school science. What kind of impact does this have on learners? 

Prisma’s approach supports learners in gaining a rich and sophisticated understanding of the topics we cover. Learners at Prisma don’t simply breeze through a wide breadth of content. Instead, learners spend multiple weeks observing foundational science topics through multiple subjects and across different activities. They leave the end of each theme not regurgitating definitions, but with the ability to confidently engage in discussions about what they’ve learned. 

For example, in the current Prisma High School theme, The Future of Home, learners are studying electromagnetic waves in workshops. They have been able to observe electromagnetic waves through virtual labs, build electromagnets using batteries and copper wire, and dive even deeper into the content through research in their literacy workshop. Shoutout to Gavin, one learner who is researching solutions to more widely expand WiFi access to developing countries!

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If you could pick one skill that all kids should master to prepare for the world of the future, what would it be and why? 

Developing a growth mindset: In a rapidly-evolving world, the ability to adapt to new situations, technologies, and challenges is INVALUABLE. The key to developing this adaptability is a growth mindset (the belief that intelligence and abilities are not fixed, but rather things that can be developed through effort and persistence). With a growth mindset, kids recognize setbacks not as failures, but as opportunities for learning and development. They gain the resilience and flexibility needed to confront the uncertainties of tomorrow's world.

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What do you like to learn about, or what is something new you learned recently? 

All things cooking and hydroponics! I am the main cook of our household and LOVE trying new recipes every week. I have also just started a hydroponics garden in our backyard and have been working hard to grow all the greens needed for the meals I cook. If you’re in need of a new recipe to try, hit me up!