Five Green Dot Teachers Honored as Heroes of Education
This spring Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) District 7 Board Member Dr. Richard Vladovic honored educators from over 150 schools in his district at the Heroes in Education Award Ceremony. These educators were honored for their achievements in creating opportunities for student success, and making their schools and communities a better place for the families they serve.
Several Green Dot Public Schools teachers and schools were recognized, including:
- Christina De La Garza – Ánimo Pat Brown English Teacher,
- Tiana Diggs – Ánimo James B. Taylor Physical Science Teacher,
- Lizet Vera – Ánimo Watts College Preparatory Academy Spanish Teacher,
- Erica Eichenstein – Ánimo College Prep Academy Mathematics Teacher, and
- Andrew Osterhaus – Ánimo Florence Firestone Science Teacher.
For Vera, the experience gave her another opportunity to reflect on the importance of team and the students she’s had the honor to teach. “I owe thanks to several administrators, past and present, who I have had the privilege to work with. I appreciate them for always affording me the trust and opportunity to bring my ideas to fruition. To a greater degree, a large part of my success and that of my students has been made possible by the support system of passionate and socially conscious educators who formed part of my foundational years at Ánimo Watts, and who have become my source of grit and inspiration,” said Vera.
“I could not accept this award without mentioning my students, who remind me every single day of the power and importance of perseverance, love, and Ánimo in all that we do.”
Diggs with Ánimo James B. Taylor Assistant Principal Michelle Ahn
Receiving the Heroes in Education Award provided Diggs with a new perspective on her role as a teacher.
“Before receiving this award I had never thought of the work I did as heroic,” said Diggs. “I just knew that it was my calling and my passion and that I had a responsibility to take care of the students who walked through the doors of my school.”
For de la Garza, the ceremony provided an important opportunity to celebrate the teaching profession with peers from LAUSD: “The ceremony included nominees from both traditional public schools as well as charter public schools.
I enjoyed having the opportunity to meet other teachers from South Los Angeles, especially the elementary schools and middle schools that my own students attended.”
Green Dot is proud of all of the educators presented with an award this month, knowing that they remain committed to preparing all students for college, leadership and life.
de la Garza with Board Member Vladovic
Read More About Award Winning Educators
