Sawyer partners with hundreds of educators who are stars in their communities. From inspiring class content to engaging teaching styles, these educators are known for their enriching activities that empower both children and parents alike.

We got the opportunity to chat with Alexia Seba-Robles, the founder and curriculum developer of Urban STEAM Lab, where every child has the opportunity to explore, create, and inspire, to learn how Sawyer helps them grow.

Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! I’d love to hear a bit more about you and why you started your business. 

In short, I wanted to provide a space where children could learn on their own terms. It is so important to give them autonomy over their own learning, and traditional schooling doesn’t really allow for that kind of open exploration. As humans we learn by doing, and I wanted to expand the opportunity to as many kinds of families and children as I could. 

Can you describe an inspiring moment you’ve had as an educator? 

A big part of my teaching philosophy comes from not looking like what most people think of when they hear the word “scientist,” and I challenge that stereotype with pride. On a field trip a wide-eyed, 5th grade girl said, “You’re a scientist?! You own this place?!” When I said, “Yes!”, she said “Dang! That means I can do it too?!” That crystal clear confirmation that representation matters so much reinvigorated my “why” as an educator. 

What’s the most rewarding thing about teaching children? 

Getting to build relationships with the children I teach is easily the most rewarding part of what I do. They are all so different and bright and creative and funny. It is humbling to get to watch them become more and more of who they are meant to be. 

What’s one time a child surprised you and made your day? 

One of my long time students, who has now aged out of the programs offered at USL, volunteers now anytime we have a special event. I overheard him telling other prospective students and parents that he considered Urban STEAM Lab to be his second home and that I’m like his second mom. I was so moved that his time at USL meant as much to him as it does to me. 

On a similar note, what’s the funniest thing a child has done in your class? 

We had an animation themed week one summer, and some of the older children were brainstorming what to do. They kept their project a secret until the final reveal: they had recreated the movie Jaws in stop-motion animation, complete with voice overs of each of them getting eaten. It was a hit. Everyone was laughing and rooting for their classmates until they met their untimely demise. It was Jaws-some. 

Why is after school/extracurricular enrichment and camp so important for children?

‍Extracurricular enrichment in STEM is especially so important for children because they don’t get many opportunities to mess around with their own ideas and imagination. At Urban STEAM Lab, they get to experience answering their own musings and questions about the world around them. Not only are they learning about the world, but they are learning how to trust themselves in solving problems and generating ideas. 

How do you think children can discover their passions when they’re not in school or your programs? 

I think we underestimate what simple exposure and imaginative play can do to help children discover and build on their passions. Museums, days out on the town, playdates at other families’ houses, neighborhood events are all ways for children to gain new experiences. From there, parents can help to guide their exploration. 

What is your favorite Sawyer feature? 

I love being able to transfer students by the day or week for different activities. Parents, myself included, need a lot of flexibility when it comes to scheduling extracurriculars, and I appreciate how quick and easy it is to roll with a plan change. 

What's one trick you learned from another educator that you still practice?

We work in groups a lot, and I do try to let each student have a friend in their group, but, sometimes, it is good to switch it up! I saw a veteran teacher use popsicle sticks with students’ names on them to randomly sort kiddos into groups! I love this method because it is fair, easy, and practical! 

Have you discovered new customers on the Sawyer Marketplace? 

Yes, quite often! I know of a parent who uses Sawyer for her own art education business and found us on Marketplace while researching what her own customers’ experience would be in the Sawyer Marketplace in her area! 

How do you balance your time between running your business (from an operational perspective) and teaching/connecting with parents and students? 

This is sometimes that is always changing as needed, but I found having staple operational days and teaching days helps me to stay on top of administrative work while still connecting with students and parents. For example, Mondays are saved for admin work, scheduling, and planning for the week, while weekends are dedicated to teaching all of the classes that typically bring in new families. I get the best of both worlds. 

How has Sawyer helped your business? 

Sawyer has helped my business in so many ways that all come down to freeing up my time at the computer. It is as close to “set-it-and-forget-it” as you can get when it comes to scheduling, e-commerce, and managing rosters. I spend so much more time doing the things I love to do - like hang out with my students!