Third Grade Teacher In Glen Rock Wins Funding To Teach AAPI Stories

GLEN ROCK, NJ — A Glen Rock third grade teacher who traveled to China in 2019 has remained interested in the region's history and stories. Now she'll have more resources to share the culture with her classes.

Michelle Bautista, a third grade teacher at Richard E. Byrd Elementary School, has been awarded a "Teach Asian American Stories (TAAS) Fellowship" for the 2024-2025 school year.

Bautista, currently in her sixth year of teaching, was chosen as part of a cohort of New Jersey public school teachers who have demonstrated a commitment to teaching Asian American and Pacific Islander history.

Over a period of 10–12 months, TAAS Fellows will be trained to become facilitators who can provide professional development in teaching Asian American and Pacific Islander history and contributions to fellow educators.

Fellows will study with and receive coaching from Dr. Khyati Joshi, a scholar of race, religion, and immigration, and cofounder of the Institute for Teaching Diversity and Social Justice.

Fellows will also receive a stipend of $2,000 and a credential co-signed by Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Upon reviewing the details of the fellowship, Bautista found herself immediately interested in applying, as the program’s focus is an area about which she is deeply passionate.

“It reminded me of the enriching experience I had when I traveled to Wuhan, China in the summerof 2019, an opportunity facilitated by Dr. Brett Charleston,” she said. “I often reflect on that experience with my students, and this fellowship has prompted me to consider what additional insights I can bring to my classroom and share with them.”

Bautista was also grateful that Mr. Manny Morelli, the K-12 supervisor of social studies for the district, shared the fellowship opportunity with her.

“Since he joined the Glen Rock School District, it has been an honor to work alongside him and witness his dedication to teaching social studies to elementary students,” she said.

She's also proud of her school. “I always say that I feel like I won the lottery by being able to work at Byrd. It is the best!” she said.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill in early 2022 expand the teaching of AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) history in social studies classes. Students in North Jersey high schools were among those lobbying for the bill.