Faculty Profile: Jimmy Santosa

 

Jimmy was born in Wilmington, Delaware, and raised in a multicultural family that cherished books. His mother was a children’s librarian from Guyana, South America and his father was a science reference librarian from Indonesia. “My parents loved to tell stories, and had a lot of pride in their respective heritages. I’m grateful for their unique global perspective and encouragement to read and be curious about so many things. It’s no surprise that both my brother and sister work in libraries too. ”

 

He grew up in a creative household, where his parents sewed Halloween costumes and stayed up late to help with science projects. As a child, he loved taking his toys apart and attempting to put them back together. Jimmy earned Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and was recruited to California to be a hardware engineer in the semiconductor industry. He was later drawn to teaching, and received his Multi-Subject Teaching Credential from San Francisco State University. Over the last twelve years he has taught kindergarten, middle school science, technology and a lower school course for engineering & design at the Cathedral School for Boys. One of his favorite activities is introducing kindergarten and first graders to the Makedo screwdriver and safe saw construction kits. These simple tools allow students to create anything they can imagine from cardboard boxes. 

 

What drew Jimmy to Burke’s is his respect for the Makery program, and how it is an integral part of the school’s Mission. “Burkes made a commitment to establish this innovative program over ten years ago, and I see how the Makery helps educate, encourage and empower girls. The Makery Mindset can be witnessed whenever Burke’s students or teachers are willing to get hands-on and accept mistakes as part of the learning process. Coming to Burke’s was a unique opportunity to teach many of the things I love in a supportive community.”  

 

Jimmy believes that making is a powerful form of storytelling. Students show their imagination and personality through what they make, whether it’s intentional or an unplanned creative jaunt that turns into something unexpected, but inspiring. At times students are motivated by humor, and want to make something they find silly. Joy and levity are definitely part of the learning, and are welcome in the Makery.

 

Makery class also provides opportunities to practice social skills and emotional regulation. “While it’s gratifying to see a group of students resolve a design problem on their own, I tell them it is OK to struggle. I see the heartbreak when something doesn’t work or the end product doesn’t match what a student envisioned. I try to help them focus on the process, and less on the product or outcome of what they are making. We learn that everyone makes mistakes, and not everything has to be perfect or go exactly as planned. 

 

In his free time, Jimmy likes to cook. He is currently captivated by the Canadian-Ghanaian blogger Afia Amoako who makes West African recipes vegan. He has been enjoying her recipes for kontomire stew, groundnut soup, waakye, jollof rice, okra soup, and kelewele. He also enjoys swimming, playing saxophone, hiking, and cooking with friends.