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.”