We are proud to announce the launch of the Teach Asian American Stories (TAAS) K–5 Teacher Residency, a first-of-its-kind program designed to equip elementary educators with the knowledge, resources, and support needed to meaningfully integrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) histories into K–5 classrooms. The program responds to the distinct needs of elementary educators, who must navigate limited time for social studies, a lack of AAPI curricular resources, and the challenge of making complex histories accessible to young learners while creating meaningful connections across subjects.
The Teach Asian American Stories K–5 Teacher Residency, in partnership with Dr. Karishma Desai of Rutgers University, will train a small cohort of passionate K–5 educators to develop curriculum projects for their classrooms and school districts in alignment with New Jersey’s AAPI Curriculum Mandate. Over the course of 13 months, our six residents will engage in professional development, coaching, and mentorship focused on AAPI histories, culturally responsive pedagogy, curriculum development, and curricular intervention.
As school districts across New Jersey continue implementing the mandate, the TAAS K–5 Residents will serve as leaders in elementary education, creating classroom-ready resources, sharing best practices, and helping ensure that young learners see Asian American and Pacific Islander histories and experiences meaningfully reflected in their education.
The inaugural TAAS K–5 Residents are accomplished educators representing school districts across New Jersey who share a strong commitment to inclusive teaching and to creating classrooms where students see themselves, their communities, and the diverse experiences of others reflected in what they learn.
Meet the 2026–2027 TAAS Residents
Erika Khan is an educator, mother, advocate, and avid reader who is passionate about creating inclusive learning environments. As a Black and Asian educator, her lived experiences shape her perspective. She loves spending time in nature and is deeply committed to social justice.
“I want to bring a voice to the voiceless, and a chance for students to learn something new about the people we share a world with.”
Zehra Adil is an educator and independent researcher. Her passion lies in teaching and learning about culture and community through an anthropological lens so that educators and researchers can do justice to the work they share with the world.
“Without AAPI contributions, then there’s no equality in representation!”
Mike Lee is a third-grade teacher in Jersey City and a third-generation Chinese American educator. Outside of teaching, Mike is a yoga and tattoo enthusiast, fitness junkie, and foodie who enjoys exploring New York City’s diverse culinary scene.
“Integrating AAPI voices alongside those of other historically underrepresented communities fosters empathy, curiosity, and respect for different perspectives.”
Victoria Paternostro is a fifth-grade Language Arts teacher who teaches in a co-taught classroom. Outside of the classroom, Victoria enjoys reading new books and spending time outdoors with her husky.
“I want all students to feel safe, comfortable, and seen in my classroom”
Joy Burnett is a fourth-grade social studies and science teacher with 23 years of elementary teaching experience. An alternate route educator, she brings real-world perspective to the classroom, drawing on her background in marketing to create engaging learning experiences. Outside of the classroom, she is a proud mother of two daughters and one son, and a grandmother to three wonderful grandsons.
“I believe that the AAPI story is a part of the American story and as such should be included in all classrooms.”
Tamar LaSure-Owens brings a profound spirit of service from her time in the U.S. Army National Guard straight into the classroom. At Leeds Avenue School, she blends the dedication and discipline of her military background with a nurturing, joyful approach, ensuring every child who walks through her door feels valued, capable, and motivated to succeed.
“When we teach multiracial solidarity and elevate the rich, diverse narratives of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, we help all students understand the true, vibrant fabric of our shared American journey.”
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This inaugural TAAS K–5 Teacher Residency marks an important expansion of TAAS’s work to advance inclusive education and ethnic studies in New Jersey. With their diverse experiences and shared commitment to representation, the 2026–2027 Residents will help strengthen elementary education and bring AAPI histories and experiences to young learners across the state.
The TAAS K–5 Teacher Residency is supported by The Asian American Foundation. Learn more at teachasianamericanstories.org.
About Dr. Karishma Desai
Dr. Karishma Desai is an Assistant Professor of Educational Foundations at the Rutgers University Graduate School of Education. Her interdisciplinary research and teaching use anthropological and feminist perspectives to examine childhood and youth, race, gender, and education. She brings more than 15 years of experience as a classroom teacher and instructional leader, as well as extensive experience supporting educators and curriculum development. Learn more about Dr. Karishma Desai.
