Why this Newark teacher loves teaching fourth grade

Fourth grade is an exciting time for students. Middle school is within sight, and they can start to practice more autonomy with support and guidance from trusted adults.

That’s what Carl Thomas, fourth grade lead math teacher at KIPP SPARK Academy in Newark, loves most about the grade level he teaches.

“It’s the sweet spot of a child beginning to come into themselves and becoming more independent,” Thomas said.

Several years ago, Thomas transitioned from a corporate office job to working in the classroom. He’s now been an educator for six years, heading into his third year at his current school this fall.

The first day of school for most 6,000-plus KIPP students in Newark is Aug. 25, with entry grades of kindergarten, fifth, and ninth grades starting days earlier. One way Thomas and his co-teacher are preparing is by looking over their new cohort of students’ performance data from last school year to see “where we need to meet them academically and what resources we can provide them with.”

Mostly, Thomas added, he’s looking forward to helping his students become the best version of themselves, academically and socially.

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