Meet Our Staff Members: Allan Idjao

Meet Allan Idjao, our new Adult Literacy Instructor, who will be overseeing all English Language Learning classes and youth literacy programs. Allan has extensive experience working with non-profit organizations and teaching high school and college courses. He holds a bachelors degree in Psychology and a masters degree in Higher Education Administration & Adult Learning. We're excited to have him on board! Get to know Allan with a Q&A below.

Where are you from?

I was born in the Philippines, but grew up in Texas (#TexasForever). I have lived in Sioux Falls for a little over 8 years with my wife, Morgan, and our three kiddos, Mack, Delila, and Isabel.

Describe yourself in five words.

Harry Potter and espresso enthusiast

What do you love about teaching?

I love teaching because of the meaningful relationships I get to build with students. It's incredibly rewarding to create a space where they feel seen, heard, and supported, not just as learners, but as individuals. I love when I get to share my own life experiences, lessons, and challenges because it allows for deeper conversations that help students feel more understood and accepted. Teaching gives me the opportunity to not only guide students academically, but to walk alongside them as they grow in their skills.

What are you most excited about learning/doing/implementing at Reach?

I'm most excited about getting to teach to a different population--adult learners. Adult learners are externally motivated by career advancement, higher pay, or simply personal growth and learning to live a better life for themselves, their family, and community. One thing I'm excited to implement is finding different ways to partner with our Sioux Falls community. We have a big mission here at Reach and we believe that when adult learners who are given the tools and resources to grow personally, academically, and professionally, the entire community benefits. That's why we're passionate about creating opportunities for immigrants and refugees that remove barriers to education and open doors to new possibilities.

If you could be any fictional character, who would it be?

Clark Kent or Sherlock Holmes

What book could you reread over and over again?

All of the Harry Potter books.

If you had a theme song, what would it be?

Forever by Chris Brown

What’s a book you think everyone should read at least once in their lifetime?

The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins

What’s your favorite way to discover new books?

Podcasts, recommendations from friends and family, social media platforms.

Name three people you would invite to your dream dinner party.

Oprah Winfrey, Justin Timberlake, and Michael Jordan