City Year Los Angeles Teacher Spotlight- Part 2

City Year AmeriCorps members work side–by–side in collaboration with their partner teachers to fully support their students in the classroom. We are proud to partner with visionary teachers who continue to inspire and lead the future leaders of tomorrow. Today we are spotlighting Ms. Tellez who has been teaching for 34 years at 93rd St. Elementary School, keep reading to find out more about her.

Name: Ms. Tellez 

Things to know about Ms. Tellez: She received her bachelor’s in sociology at Loyola Marymount University. She completed her credentials through Cal State Dominguez Hills University and has her BLAD (bilingual certificate). In 2001, she earned a National Board certification and at the time there were only about 13,000 in the nation who completed this! 

Hometown: She was born in Spanish Harlem and lived in Echo Park and Pico Rivera. 

How many years have you been teaching? 

“I have been teaching fourth grade for 34 years at 93rd St. Elementary School. There is something special to know I am teaching the children of former students I taught at this school.” 

 What is your favorite thing about teaching? 

“My favorite thing about teaching is to see students make real changes that they carry on into the following grades. When I see how they understand why they are in school, to persevere, practice for the marathon of their lives—I am reminded to teach them about their global responsibility as 21st–century world changers.” 

 How has City Year helped build school climate and culture? 

“City Year has absolutely done that! [AmeriCorps members] build relationships! You support us. You provide structured fun. You listen.” 

 How has City Year helped you in the classroom? 

“Having the intervention class in 4th grade means I have 1st-grade readers. I have students who do not know how to write a complete sentence. I have students who do not have number sense (for now, it changes). I can’t teach by myself. City Year AmeriCorps members are necessary in my classroom.”