Â鶹ÊÓƵ Los Angeles Teacher Spotlight
Â鶹ÊÓƵ AmeriCorps members work side–by–side in collaboration with their partner teachersÌýto fully support theirÌýstudents in the classroom. We are proud to partner withÌývisionaryÌýteachersÌýwhoÌýcontinue to inspire and lead the future leaders of tomorrow.
The Â鶹ÊÓƵ Los Angeles Teacher Spotlight is designed to highlight teachers in our partner schools. Below is our conversation with Mr. Martinez-Cruz, a teacher at Thomas Jefferson High School.
Name:ÌýMr. Martinez-CruzÌý
Hometown: Brooklyn Heights, NY
Years teaching: 36 years, and 27 years at Thomas Jefferson High SchoolÌý
What is your favorite part of teaching?Ìý
“My favorite part of teaching is the kids, the frustrations, the successes, the ‘a–ha’ moments when they realizeÌý‘I can do this.’â¶ÄÌý
As an educator in LAUSD, how do you hope toÌýinspireÌýyour students?Ìý
“I hope to inspire students by being there for themÌýeveryÌýdayÌýand showing them that theyÌýare capable of doingÌýgreat things. IÌýwantÌýmy students to know that they are capable of being successful no matter what other people thinkÌýof them.â€ÌýÌý
How has Â鶹ÊÓƵ helped build a positive school culture andÌýclimate?Ìý
“Â鶹ÊÓƵ helps students feel more confident in themselves. AmeriCorps membersÌýin the classroom remind students that they have people that care about them and that they belong. Â鶹ÊÓƵ really cares about students and treats them with the respect they should be treated with.Ìý“Ìý
How has Â鶹ÊÓƵ helped you in the classroom?Ìý
“Â鶹ÊÓƵ is a resource that students can tap into when they are having difficulties.ÌýStudents can have one–on–one support to learn new and different strategies to solve problems. Even though each AmeriCorps member has a focus list of students, they still make themselves available toÌýhelp everyone that asks for help.â€Ìý
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