Sarah Feinstein, Teacher Aide
I started working for LAUSD in 1999 at a special education center. I was placed with a student who had a reputation for challenging aides quickly. Some staff members suggested that I would not last long. However, this only fueled my desire to show them how capable even the most "difficult" student could be, given the right kind of support and reinforcements. THE LADDER Magazine, Spring 2009 Excerpt
Ruth Nzegwu, Special Education Trainee, Banneker Special Education Center
When I first heard of the Career Ladder, I was on the verge of dropping out of college due to financial difficulties and my husband’s illness. I was the sole financial provider for a family of eight, and we were in debt. A coworker, who was a member of Career Ladder, asked if I would like to become a member. “The Career Ladder helps paraprofessionals pay their tuition,” she explained.
THE LADDER Magazine, Winter 2009 Excerpt
Evelyn Bautista, Teacher, West Athen ES
Becoming a teacher is what I’ve always wanted, from the time I was six years old. Even though I was born in the United States, I was raised in Mexico and was able to master the Spanish language. My family decided that I should come back to the United States and go to school in California, starting in the 8th grade, which was not easy. In 1997, I was invited to enroll in The Multilingual Teachers Academy at Garfield High School.
THE LADDER Magazine, Fall 2008 Excerpt
Laura Rodriguez
During my middle school years, I was lost and did not have a vision for my future. At the end of my 8th grade year, I found out that some of my friends had been recommended for a new program at San Fernando High School called the Multilingual Teacher Career Academy. Even though we had not been invited to the informational meeting, my mom and I decided to just show up.
THE LADDER Magazine, Spring 2008 Excerpt
Crystal Campbell-Shirley, Categorical Coordinator, 186th St. School
Starting as a campus aide at Figueroa Street Elementary right out of high school, Crystal Campbell-Shirley, is climbing the ladder of success with LAUSD. With a mother and sister teaching for LAUSD, it was easy for her to follow in their footsteps. THE LADDER Magazine, Winter 2008 Excerpt
Allyson Saito, English Teacher, South Gate MS
I was raised in Rowland Heights, California and have attended several colleges and universities since graduating from high school. These include Mt. SAC; East Los Angeles College, where I received my AA; UC Davis; CSULA, where I received my Bachelor’s degree in English; and Whittier College, where I completed my credential and will receive my Master’s degree in Teaching in September.
THE LADDER Magazine, Fall 2007 Excerpt