When Chala Hannon reflects on her career journey, it's clear that her path to education has been anything but conventional. After a successful career in Information Technology (IT), she transitioned to teaching middle school social studies at the Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences (DAAS), a charter school on Detroit’s eastside, bringing with her a fresh perspective and boundless passion.
From IT to the Classroom
Chala spent nine years in the IT field, a career choice initially driven by the need for financial stability as she supported her family. “At 19, I was earning $20 an hour. It changed my life,” she said. Despite her professional success—owning a home, traveling the world, and achieving financial independence—she found herself unfulfilled.
The turning point came with the birth of her son. “I wanted a career that allowed me to be present for him,” she says. With this shift in priorities, she returned to education—a field she had always admired but initially bypassed due to its perceived limitations. Beginning as a technology analyst for a school, she soon found herself stepping into the classroom to address a teacher shortage, marking the start of a transformative journey.
Building Community at Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences
For the past seven years, Chala has been a cornerstone of the DAAS community. Her dedication to her students and colleagues stems from the school’s unique culture. “DAAS feels like family,” she says. “The energy and synergy of the staff and students make it a home away from home.”
At DAAS, Chala has focused on more than just academic instruction. She has emphasized workforce readiness, ensuring that students leave with practical, transferable skills. “They’re not only gaining curriculum knowledge but also skills they can use beyond school,” she said. This holistic approach reflects her belief that education should empower students to thrive in every aspect of life.
Advocating for Girls in STEM
One of Chala’s standout initiatives is her work to encourage young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. She teaches coding after school and recently took students to the University of Michigan’s Girls Exploring Together - Information Technology (GET-IT) Connection Summit, an event designed to inspire young girls to explore computer science.
“Representation matters,” Chala said. “Sometimes students shy away from STEM because they don’t see themselves reflected in the field. I tell them, ‘You can do this your own way. Bring your personality to it.’”
At the summit, students interacted with women in tech, participated in networking opportunities, and explored the transformative power of AI tools like ChatGPT. The experience left students inspired and eager to engage more deeply with STEM subjects.
Harnessing Technology for Learning
Chala’s embrace of technology goes beyond teaching coding. She advocates for integrating computer science (CS) into all areas of learning as a call-to-action for innovation and the development of tangible, transferable skills.
“Technology can substantially close gaps in learning,” she said. “For our neurodivergent learners, we need paths to cultivate creativity in learning and opportunities for them to apply relevance to their learning.”
She champions platforms like Canva, Google Classroom, and Padlet, which teachers can easily implement to enhance engagement and interactivity. These tools not only make learning more accessible but also help students build confidence in their abilities.
Her students are learning to network and develop healthy relationships through CS initiatives. She uses technology to create learning plans, establish growth routines, and strengthen community ties within her classroom.
AI tools, such as ChatGPT, have become instrumental in helping students draft outlines for college admissions letters, create study plans, and summarize reading assignments. “AI gives students the confidence to articulate their thoughts,” she said. These tools have been game-changers, especially for students who struggle with traditional methods of learning.
Going the Extra Mile
Chala’s commitment to her students extends far beyond the classroom. Organizing trips like the GET IT Connection Summit involves coordinating transportation, collecting parental permissions, and even ensuring students have appropriate attire. “It’s a big ask for one person, but I do it proudly because my students deserve these opportunities,” she said.
Her efforts have a profound impact. Students who had never left Detroit found themselves exploring a university campus for the first time, opening their minds to new possibilities.
“Exposure cultivates curiosity,” Chala said. “When students experience college life firsthand, they start to see it as an achievable goal.”
A Vision for the Future
Chala’s dedication to education stems from a deep sense of purpose. “I didn’t intend to be here,” she admits. “I thought I’d be a project manager in a C-suite office. But this work—changing young lives—feels much more rewarding.”
As she continues to create life-changing opportunities for her students, Chala’s impact is a testament to the power of education and the importance of charter educators who go above and beyond. Her story serves as a reminder that when students are given the tools, support, and representation they need, they can achieve incredible things.
These Providers on Elevating MI's Educators
Michigan's Charter School Association
123 W Allegan, Ste 750
Lansing, MI 48933
Ph: (517) 374-9167
No Comments Yet
Let us know what you think