Staff Spotlight: Nahshon Outten, Lead Teacher, After-school program at PS 156

Can you tell me your name and what your job is here?

My name is Nahshon Outten. I am a teacher for BCS at PS 156.

How long have you worked here?

I started in November of 2023.

How would you describe this program to someone who doesn’t know anything about it?

BCS is an after-school program for kids to explore new interests that they otherwise don’t have time to during their regular week. It’s a place for enrichment and a time they can get help. BCS is a program just meant to help the development of a happy human being.

How did you learn about this opportunity?

From two separate sources, one, my nephew had been in a different BCS program for two years. I also heard about it from the current director, Ms. Plaza. I told her about my current goal of trying to work with kids and get into that kind of space. And this program seemed like a perfect fit and we went from there.

What interests you about teaching?

What interests me, and what fuels me, is helping kids. I want to provide guidance that I wish I had when I was younger. Aside from guidance, I’m passionate about showing compassion and putting that into a lot of the subjects that kids deem boring or something that they don’t want to do. Kids can hate math, hate science, hate English, but if you can teach it to them in a way where it’s enjoyable, that makes all the difference.

What’s your favorite part about your job?

I just love when the students come to me and tell me that they enjoyed a lesson that I did with them, or a task that I had them do, or just a decision that I’ve made. They might be like, “I don’t want to do this,” but when they end up doing it they’re like, “You know what, I actually like it, thank you for trying this with us, Mr. O.” I just like hearing the kids’ feedback about what I decide to do with them.

Do you have any specific stories or memories that represent your time here?

I like to do riddles with the kids. I do the riddles with all the kids across the grades. So throughout the day, I’ll see kids, whether it be kindergarten or first grade, or second grade, and they’re like, “Hi, Mr. O., do you have a riddle today?” And I enjoy that.

Why do you think this type of after-school program is important to this specific community?

What comes to mind is diversity and opportunity. There are so many opportunities in this city, yet so many people don’t have access to them. In this community, if I come every day, with a smile on my face, and something new to bring to these kids who see the same thing every day, then it just broadens their horizons. It helps them expand their imagination and ultimately helps them grow as adolescents and young adults. BCS helps children grow into the best versions of themselves.

Is there anything that’s been challenging in your position? Or something you’ve had to overcome?

I’d say the only challenge, which I feel like comes with just having a job, is that early nervousness of just wanting to make sure you make the right decisions. But once you get acclimated, once people recognize your face, it’s a lot easier. So that was honestly the only challenge. I mean sometimes I can get in my head too much. But as long as I know I did my best and I put my best foot forward with whatever lesson I decide to give, I feel good.

Do you have any goals or things you want to accomplish in this position?

Aside from teaching, I have a love for photography and videography, and with those mediums, I want to be able to show the kids that there’s multiple ways to express yourself. At BCS, I’m also protecting and nurturing the younger version of myself that was really quiet. I see the kids that remind me of me, and it’s like, here’s a way for you to speak without really speaking, and feel comfortable in yourself. So my goal is to pass on the guidance to the students every day, whether it’s through my words, or through different clubs or my lessons.

Is there anything else you would want to share?

The kids’ safety and their mental health are the top priorities. Academics are important, but it’s just as important that the kids feel comfortable as young individuals. Making sure that they’re heard and they feel heard and that they feel respected and that they know what respect is, is part of my daily mission. Because these qualities will help them in life. I could just be a teacher, but what am I really teaching if I’m not applying real life things? All these kids are intelligent, and they’re very capable and very creative.