|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
East Palo Alto Academy teacher Philip Wong has been recognized by the Sequoia Union High School District as its 2025 Teacher of the Year. Since 2010, Wong has dedicated his entire teaching career to the students of EPAA, helping graduating students realize their potential.
“It’s difficult for me to earn that recognition without also considering all the other people that I work with that help me do what I do for students here,” said Wong. “It’s nice to have that recognition for our small school.”
Wong is EPAA’s Senior Seminar teacher and Early College director. Prior to his current role, he was an English teacher for about six years. Wong was given the award for his commitment to helping EPAA students navigate their goals after high school and guiding them through college applications, trade school, scholarships and financial aid. He’s begun supporting alumni in the school’s 10 Year Promise program, which not only helps students get into college but also get through it.
“As East Palo Alto Academy’s Senior Seminar teacher, Phillip works tirelessly to help his students with the college, scholarship and financial aid application processes,” said Associate Superintendent of Educational Services Bonnie Hansen. “His patience, kindness and belief in our kids result in many of his students becoming the first in their family to attend university.”
Wong said the most rewarding part of working with high school students is helping them envision their life after graduation and shepherding them to what they think is their best next step.
“It’s nice to help make some of the things that they’ve been dreaming about a reality for them,” he added.
In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Wong serves as the Foothill College liaison, Pride Club co-adviser, advisory lead and Western Association of Schools and Colleges accreditation lead. Wong carries many titles but he said it’s normal for EPAA staff to wear multiple hats. “The responsibilities are all in service of our goals to support our students,” he said.
Working in a small school means that teachers can connect with their students, teachers can collaborate and stronger relationships are built, he said. Wong said the school’s environment allows him to get to know students on a personal level, forming relationships that guide the work he does to support them.
An announcement from the school administration about Wong’s recognition included, “He is a humble educator who consistently puts students first, he quietly goes above and beyond — never seeking recognition, but always making a lasting impact.”
Not only is Wong helping students discover their future paths, he also is there to support their social emotional wellbeing. As an advisory lead, he makes sure to get to know the whole student and meet their various needs.
Although only one teacher is officially recognized by the district, Wong explained that he feels grateful to receive the award because “it means that the work that not only I do, but we do at East Palo Alto Academy is meaningful to folks outside of our community.”
East Palo Alto Academy educator awarded Sequoia District Teacher of the Year
East Palo Alto Academy teacher Philip Wong has been recognized by the Sequoia Union High School District as its 2025 Teacher of the Year. Since 2010, Wong has dedicated his entire teaching career to the students of EPAA, helping graduating students realize their potential.
“It’s difficult for me to earn that recognition without also considering all the other people that I work with that help me do what I do for students here,” said Wong. “It’s nice to have that recognition for our small school.”
Wong is EPAA’s Senior Seminar teacher and Early College director. Prior to his current role, he was an English teacher for about six years. Wong was given the award for his commitment to helping EPAA students navigate their goals after high school and guiding them through college applications, trade school, scholarships and financial aid. He’s begun supporting alumni in the school’s 10 Year Promise program, which not only helps students get into college but also get through it.
“As East Palo Alto Academy’s Senior Seminar teacher, Phillip works tirelessly to help his students with the college, scholarship and financial aid application processes,” said Associate Superintendent of Educational Services Bonnie Hansen. “His patience, kindness and belief in our kids result in many of his students becoming the first in their family to attend university.”
Wong said the most rewarding part of working with high school students is helping them envision their life after graduation and shepherding them to what they think is their best next step.
“It’s nice to help make some of the things that they’ve been dreaming about a reality for them,” he added.
In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Wong serves as the Foothill College liaison, Pride Club co-adviser, advisory lead and Western Association of Schools and Colleges accreditation lead. Wong carries many titles but he said it’s normal for EPAA staff to wear multiple hats. “The responsibilities are all in service of our goals to support our students,” he said.
Working in a small school means that teachers can connect with their students, teachers can collaborate and stronger relationships are built, he said. Wong said the school’s environment allows him to get to know students on a personal level, forming relationships that guide the work he does to support them.
An announcement from the school administration about Wong’s recognition included, “He is a humble educator who consistently puts students first, he quietly goes above and beyond — never seeking recognition, but always making a lasting impact.”
Not only is Wong helping students discover their future paths, he also is there to support their social emotional wellbeing. As an advisory lead, he makes sure to get to know the whole student and meet their various needs.
Although only one teacher is officially recognized by the district, Wong explained that he feels grateful to receive the award because “it means that the work that not only I do, but we do at East Palo Alto Academy is meaningful to folks outside of our community.”
