Made by Educators for Educators: Meet our ORIGO Educators!

Welcome to ORIGO’s Employee Spotlight, where we shine a light on incredible individuals from our organization! In the next few weeks, we will be featuring the passionate educators who shape and inspire ORIGO products and services!

At the heart of our organization are ex-educators, who understand the intricacies of the classroom, and possess first-hand knowledge of the challenges and triumphs that come with shaping young minds. Our team’s collective experience in the field empowers ORIGO to create resources that resonate with educators, ensuring that our tools seamlessly integrate into the dynamic learning environments they help cultivate.

Join us for this fun spotlight series to get to know members of our ORIGO family!

This Week’s Employee Spotlight: Gin Munoz

Tell us a bit about yourself and your role at ORIGO:

• What is your title? Resource Advisor
• What does a typical day at work look like for you? My day usually starts with me reaching out to my customers through phone calls and emails, making sure they are supported and getting what they need. I also spend some time learning about all our different products, making sure I stay informed about their unique features and benefits for my customers. Part of my day includes researching the educational landscape of my territory, making sure I’m up to speed with current policies and legislations. Basically, I just do my thing, making sure customers feel the love and get what they need!
• How long have you been a part of the ORIGO team? I have been at ORIGO since September 2023

What motivated you to join the ORIGO team?

What really attracted me to ORIGO is the chance to be a part of a small, nimble company where I can truly make a difference. I saw an opportunity to contribute to something meaningful, to be part of a team that’s genuinely dedicated to empowering educators and students. It’s not just a job; it’s an opportunity to contribute meaningfully and see the results of my efforts. ORIGO’s commitment to being agile and making a real change in education aligns perfectly with what I’m all about.

 Tell us about your past teaching experience:

I’ve logged over seven years in the education scene, starting in a rural county, teaching 3rd grade in a self-contained classroom. Switched gears to a bustling district, where I rocked the role of a 3rd-grade Math and Science teacher in a tier one school with a Spanish Immersion program – double the fun engaging with students in both languages.

What was your favorite thing about teaching?

Teaching has been a rewarding journey, and my absolute favorite part has always been connecting with the kids. The genuine moments, the “aha” discoveries, and the bonds formed during those classroom interactions remain the heartbeat of why I love teaching. I am excited to carry that passion for student connection into my next chapter.

Any inspiring stories to share?

Let me share a teaching win that truly touched me. I took on the challenge of helping a student labeled with difficult behavior, someone many had given up on. Through patience and a tailored approach, he not only engaged but also completely came out of his shell.

This experience ignited my passion for understanding learning disabilities, leading me to explore more about working with children facing challenges like ADHD and other neurodivergent-based learning issues. Witnessing that transformation fueled my belief in the power of personalized teaching and the positive impact it can have on every student.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of the job is visiting schools and working closely with educators to find the best math solutions for them. I love the hands-on visits, immersing myself in their environment, and being part of the journey toward achieving their goals.

What’s your favorite thing about ORIGO?

My absolute favorite thing about ORIGO is the people. We’re not just colleagues; we’re a community of dedicated individuals always willing to lend a hand. The supportive and welcoming environment makes every day a joy. It’s inspiring to work alongside a group of professionals who share a commitment to excellence and collaboration.

What’s your favorite ORIGO product and why?

Stepping Stones PreK easily takes the crown as my top pick. It’s not just groundbreaking; it’s the cool kid in the market. The classroom kit is like the VIP of learning tools – well-made and so much fun. The Big Books and Tune products? Pure joy, my friend. The artwork? A masterpiece. I love showcasing it to PreK teachers; it’s like sharing the secret sauce of fun and learning all rolled into one.

If you had to be one of ORIGO’s characters- which one would you be and why?

This is a hard one because I can see a bit of myself in all of them. If I had to choose just one, though, I would pick the sporty cat with the basketball. First off, as a sports enthusiast myself, I instantly resonate with the character’s love for the game. It’s like they’ve captured my passion for sports in feline form! Plus, the fun-loving yet determined vibe of the sporty cat aligns perfectly with my own go-getter attitude. We share a spirit of teamwork and the drive to score big – both on the court and in the realm of education.

If you could have 1 superpower, what would it be and why?

If I could have one superpower, it would definitely be teleportation. Imagine being able to instantly travel to any place in the world – whether it’s exploring the bustling streets of Tokyo, relaxing on a beach in the Maldives, or simply visiting family and friends.

Teleportation would not only make the world more accessible but also eliminate the constraints of time and distance. It’s the ultimate power for experiencing new cultures, connecting with loved ones, and embracing life’s adventures without any logistical hurdles. Plus, as someone who despises traffic, the ability to bypass it altogether would be an absolute game-changer! And on top of all that, think about the efficiency at work – I could visit more customers in a day, making business trips a breeze.

Be sure to check back next week for another ORIGO Employee Spotlight!