Leodes is a Village fellow in our program who recently moved back to Los Angeles from Atlanta because he wanted to pursue a teaching career where he grew up. The challenge that Leodes faced was the fact that he didn't have a place to live that was affordable nor did he have any prospects for job opportunities because he doesn't have his credential yet. Leodes graduated from college taught in Africa for a year and moved back to the states during the pandemic. Leodes was also one of my former students at View Park Elementary school in Los Angeles.
Leodes heard about The Teacher Village Initiative by way of social media and trusted friends in his network and applied. He was accepted into the program and The Watts of Power organization used emergency funds to move him back to Los Angeles from Atlanta and provided teacher housing that became available this year. In the past three months Leodes has passed the CBEST, Cleared with the DOJ to work with students, received a computer for work/school and applied to our residency program through Cal Sate Dominguez, and has started the fellowship with our organization as part of the 2nd cohort. These needs all have costs associated with it and that's why we are seeking your support this Giving Tuesday.
Today Leodes is a multiple subject credential candidate at CSUDH in his first year, lives in Teacher Village housing, and was recently placed at a local school in Los Angeles as a paraprofessional. Leodes's goal is to teach elementary school and bring his love of Philosophy to many students that he comes into contact with.
Your donations will help to support other Village fellows like Leodes who are transitioning from college to career and need that extra layer of support to get them on the pathway to becoming a fully credentialed and highly effective teacher in Los Angeles.