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| Arielle Zurzolo
Ethnic Studies and Read180 |
Where are you from?
I am from Mid City LA, born and raised. I also have New York in my blood though!
What will you be doing for Ánimo Venice?
I will be teaching how we are more alike than different. I will be teaching that reading gives us freedom and choices.
What did you do before Ánimo Venice?
I went to school for a longggg time and read too much philosophy. I also traveled around the world and met lots of inspiring people who I love to call my friends. I also coached Girls Varsity Basketball- Go Wildcats!!
What is your educational background?
I graduated from George Washington University in Washington DC with philosophy major and a sociocultural anthropology minor. I went on to get my Credential and Masters in Secondary Education from Cal State Northridge. I guess that makes me a colonial matador- right out of history...
What were some of your accomplishments, awards, leadership roles?
I started a poetry group in college and performed and hosted open mikes all over Washington DC, New York, and LA. I also help start a philosophy seminar for High School Students in DC while in college.
What are your future plans?
I plan on.... traveling the world more, living in Puerto Rico, eating lots of good food, learning how to make short films, getting another masters in American Studies, watching lots of live music, and becoming a college professor.
What are your hobbies and interests?
Art, culture, bright colored clothes, finding awesome mom and pops restaurants, having conversations with strangers, spending time with my family, hanging out with friends, boxing, staring at the ocean- too many more to write!
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| Tom Gordon
World History |
Where are you from?
I'm from a lot of places but I guess Norwalk is the place I've been the most.
What will you be doing for Ánimo Venice?
I will be teaching 10th grade History and doing some coaching.
What did you do before Ánimo Venice?
My last teaching job was at St. Linus school. I was a history teacher and the Athletic Director. I have spent most of my adult life coaching high school football and high school and college softball (Cal State Dominguez Hills).
What is your educational background?
My greatest accomplishment is getting my Masters in Education from the great Loyola Marymount University. I am the first and only person in my family to even go to college, forget graduating. Sometimes I get teased, my cousin calls me Billy Madison (Adam Sandler Movie) because I'm 38 and still in school, but I'm also the one he calls when he need help!
I went to pubic school until high school and was recruited to play football at St. Paul High. Then football took me to East LA for one year, and then the best time at Northern Arizona University. College football was a great experience.
What were some of your accomplishments, awards, leadership roles?
First off, being the best parent and husband is my most important accomplishment. Athletically, I have won MANY league titles both as a coach and player, and competing is what I do best. In high school, I was a 4-year captain and was the MVP for my team. I take pride in my leadership abilities and hope for the same success for my son.
What are your future plans?
My plans for the future will probably include more school and coaching and being a spectator in my son's soccer career. I would like to get into administration at AV and support teachers who want to be great.
What are your hobbies and interests?
I love sports and technology. If it wasn't for sports, I would have never graduated or even attended college, and that's the truth. I really feel that sports are the place that truth comes out. You can pretend to be many things on the street, but on the field or court, who you really are comes out. I am interested in figuring out the parent deal.
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| Lauren McConnell
U.S. History |
Where are you from?
Upland California
What will you be doing for Ánimo Venice?
Teaching my passion- U.S. History
What did you do before Ánimo Venice?
Worked at Community Charter Early College High School teaching U.S. History and Humanities.
What is your educational background?
Graduated from Cal State Northridge in 2006, Received my Masters and Teaching Credential from Claremont Graduate University in 2007
What were some of your accomplishments, awards, leadership roles?
Won an ethnography award for masters thesis in which I studied my students. Worked as the co-sponsor of the environmental club at Community Charter H.S.
What are your future plans?
I am really excited to be working with Green Dot schools and to continue teaching U.S. History. I would love to go back to school and get my doctorate in History. As a teacher I strive to encourage a sense of activism and responsibility toward community and others.
What are your hobbies and interests?
I love to spend time with my husband and travel any chance I get. I also enjoy being active, riding my bike and doing yoga. I am also an activist for the environment and for social justice. Save Darfur!
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Where are you from?
I grew up in Culver City and went to school at El Rincon Elementary School, Culver City Middle School, and the Hamilton High School Academy of Music. After graduation, I moved to Boston to go to college. I stayed there for 7 years living in the Fenway neighbood (like 2 blocks from Fenway Park), Dorchester, and Somerville.
What will you be doing for Ánimo Venice?
I am the Social Studies Department Chair and a 10th grade advisor. I also teach AP Government, Government, Economics, and Music.
What did you do before Ánimo Venice?
I began at Animo Venice in the fall of 2007. Before that I taught Ancient and Medieval Western Civilizations at Gann Academy in Waltham, Massachusetts (2006-2007), Music and Chorus at Stoneham Middle School in Stoneham, Massachusetts (2005-2006), Economics and United States History at the Mesivta High School of Greater Boston in Boston, Massachusetts (2001-2005), and Jewish History and Culture at the Boston Workmen’s Circle (2001-2007).
What is your educational background?
I have a Master’s Degree in Education Policy and Management from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education, a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Studies Education from the Boston University School of Education, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the Boston University College of Fine Arts.
What were some of your accomplishments, awards, leadership roles?
I currently serve as the Director of Education for Adat Chaverim, a Humanistic Jewish Community in Los Angeles. I am also the Community / Legislative Chair for the Culver City Democratic Club and have run 3 political campaigns (and worked on 7 others) both in California and in Massachusetts. I write periodically for the Front Page newspaper and used to write sometimes for the Daily Free Press. I served for 2 years as the Co-Chair for a National Non-Profit organization with over 400 chapters that works on fostering student activism on high school and college campuses throughout the country.
What are your future plans?
At some point, I want to move more into the policy side of education, combining my love of teaching and love of politics.
What are your hobbies and interests?
I love playing music, I love talking politics and debating those who disagree with me, I love running political campaign, and I am a HUGE Boston Red Sox Fan.
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Ánimo Venice High School
5431 West 98th Street • Los Angeles • CA 90045
Phone: 310-392-8751 • Email: Ánimo
Venice
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