meet the teaching hands team
Annie Averett
Before starting a family with her husband Ed in 2009, Annie studied International Business with a focus on Latin America, Spanish, and Marking at the University of Washington. Annie spent four years working internationally, essentially commuting between San Pedro Sula, Honduras, and the Seattle area. It was an incredible opportunity, made possible by SanMar.
In 2015, Annie began looking for a safety and personal boundaries class in which she could enroll her three children. Seeing that radKIDS was the national leader, and was vastly under-represented in Washington State, she decided to act. With the support of her husband Ed, and the partnership of a like-minded friend and educator, Bobye Turella, she headed to AZ to complete the 40-hour training to become a certified radKIDS Instructor.
Annie and Bobye have taught radKIDS throughout the greater Seattle area. In addition to teaching radKIDS, Annie had the privilege of teaching Spanish at Eastside Academy. EA gives students of every walk the chance to experience small-group learning in an environment that is created with mental health and physical wellness at the forefront.
Annie has always believed in flexibility, open-mindedness, and open-heartedness, making every effort to ensure that each student feels seen and heard in the classroom. Through supporting small-group learning at Teaching Hands, Annie has brought together educators and students who can safely learn, play, and laugh together. Through a partnership with Rainier Athletes, Teaching Hands has participated in scholarshiped programming as well.
Blake Jackson
Mr. J is an up-and-coming educator who has recently relocated to the Seattle area and is always up for an adventure. Blake has experience leading before-and-after school programs through the Boy Scouts of America and partnering elementary schools and certification in yoga. Blake approached his afternoon learning pod with a calm and patient presence, and students responded well to this leadership style. Blake did daily check-ins with his students and encouraged them to bring their best to every assignment. Blake worked to ensure that students truly understood the concepts and were prepared to build on top of this knowledge in addition to completing assignments.
Blake led his Afternoon Pod through Washington State Geography after ensuring that each student was current on their assignments and schoolwork. Blake is currently rocking life at the Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences. He is available for individual tutoring (virtual or in-person) in all subjects of elementary and secondary academics.