Here are two personal stories we shared with the media during our most recent announcement. Read how one African American female and one Latino male found themselves leading the classroom.
April Mouton
San Jose, California
April Mouton was on track to become a lawyer. She attended University of California, Davis, majoring in political science with a minor in ethnic studies and math. During her senior year, April was introduced to a career in education and never looked back.
Nine years later, April is a Math Coach and AVID Coordinator, committed to preparing historically under-represented students for college and career success. The AVID program caters to students who will be the first in their family to go to college, and exposes them to higher education through distinguished speakers and campus tours beginning before high school.
As a first generation college graduate, April uses her personal challenges and experience to relate to her students, many of whom find themselves in her shoes. By reinforcing the importance of academics and eventually a college degree, her students are groomed for success.
Richard Perez
Fresno, California
"How did you make it out?" is a question that Life Science teacher Richard Perez hears from his students every year. In fact, it is what drives his desire to teach.
Growing up in Southeast Fresno, where he teaches today, Richard Perez faced many of the same challenges of his students. At an early age, Perez decided to remain in the community in which he was raised - committed to helping teenagers overcome issues like youth pregnancy, drug use, and broken families. His work began as a community youth minister, and after going through an alternative certification program, he now serves teenagers by teaching them in the classroom.
When Perez hears phrases like, "You made it and I can too," from his students, he knows that his decision to become an educator was the right one.
The Teacher Corps would like to highlight all the wonderful teachers that have gone through our programs. Please share your teachers' stories by emailing us at info@cateachercorps.org.
