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.

Chioma Anyanwu joined Prisma in Fall 2024 as a Learning Coach at Prisma Middle School.

Where are you based? 

I am based in London, UK. A vibrant and kaleidoscopic place I call home. 

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Tell us a little bit about your background in education prior to joining Prisma. 

I entered education as a creative teaching assistant, working with learners aged 5-11. My aim was always to create a safe space where they could be their authentic selves. The highlight of my time was building close relationships with the learners and their families. Over the years in a supportive role, I refined my educational philosophy, realizing that creativity, communication, and collaboration were at the heart of it all. I decided to become a qualified teacher, spending five years in a traditional setting. 

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What is your favorite aspect of being a learning coach at Prisma?

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Building relationships with my learners and their families has been incredibly rewarding. Understanding how they engage, their unique quirks, and what makes each learner who they are is essential. At Prisma, I’ve found that exercising patience is key. I’m learning to be quick to listen and slow to respond. It’s easy to enter interactions with preconceived notions, but every day, I feel that I’m not only challenging my learners, but they are also challenging me to show up in the best way I can.

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Has your background in theatre and the arts influenced your approach to education? How? 

Absolutely! I owe it all to my amazing family. As a quiet, shy learner, I was often too afraid to speak up, content to just get by as long as I had good grades. Looking back, I realize I didn’t have the space to be myself or truly explore how I engaged with the world. That all changed when my mum enrolled me in a part-time drama school on the weekends, where I found my voice in a place where anything felt possible. I noticed changes in myself, and others noticed these changes too. Theatre became my safe haven for expressing emotions and embracing diverse perspectives, which deepened my sense of self and community. Now, as I work with learners at Primsa, I want them to experience that same freedom. After spending ten years in acting and recently diving into directing, I’m excited about what the future holds, and I’ll be sure to keep you updated on my adventures!

If you had to choose ONE skill that you believe is most important for learners to master to be prepared for the future, what would it be and why? 

Active listening! The power to sit, hold space, and allow others to speak is key. Being present and truly listening creates the foundation for meaningful connection. I’m still growing in this area, but I’ve seen firsthand how transformative it can be. 

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

I would love to own a homestead one day! I’m fascinated by everyone who has embarked on this journey, and I find myself irresistibly drawn to the idea of living a more self-sufficient, sustainable lifestyle. Lately, I've been diving into the world of homesteading online—think gardening, raising animals, preserving food, and dabbling in renewable energy. So far, it’s all been virtual, but I'm ready for the real deal! I’ve got dreams of escaping the hustle and bustle of London soon, so I’m eager to turn this vision into reality.