City Year Los Angeles Teacher Spotlight- Part 2
City Year AmeriCorps members work side–by–side in collaboration with their partner teachersto fully support theirstudents in the classroom. We are proud to partner withvisionaryteacherswhocontinue 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:Shereceivedher bachelor’s in sociology at Loyola Marymount University.Shecompletedhercredentialsthrough Cal State Dominguez Hills UniversityandhasherBLAD (bilingual certificate). In 2001,sheearneda 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 yearsat93rdSt.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 buildschool 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.”
Related stories
Every year, City Year Los Angeles AmeriCorps Volunteers dedicate themselves to helping students thrive. Whilemeasurableacademic and emotionaloutcomes are important, some...
Read more about Reflecting on a Year of Service: Farid HadjFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 2025 City Year Los Angeles Announces Bill Thompson as New Executive Director Experienced nonprofit leader and...
Read more about City Year Los Angeles Announces Bill Thompson as New Executive DirectorFor more than a decade, Kam Ghassemieh has been one of City Year Los Angeles’ biggest champions. His journey with...
Read more about A Decade of Leadership: An Interview with City Year LA Board Member Kam GhassemiehFor many AmeriCorps members, a year of service means early mornings in classrooms. For Caitlyn Johnson, it meant paintbrushes, teamwork,...
Read more about Reflecting on a Year of Service: Caitlyn Johnson
