We are thrilled to share that our next staff spotlight is for SIATech East LA Student Support Specialist Ms. Alejandri. She has been nominated for her diligent work on the CTE and Paxton Patterson Program despite it not being her main responsibility. “She steps up when needed, always offers her help, and goes above and beyond to help support not just students but all staff.”
As a Student Support Specialist Ms. Alejandri's role is to help support the CTE Teacher. However, at this time the CTE teacher position is not filled which has led to her launching the Paxton Patterson Career Exploration Lab. In addition she provides students with community resources in various areas such as mental health resources, financial assistance, food, and transportation. While ensuring students have access to field trips that revolve around college, career and CTE.
From an early age Ms. Alejandri knew she wanted to start a professional career in education. In her youth she was involved in assisting her fellow students in some way, shape or form.
“Whether it was tutoring some of the sports team's classmates or friends, I was always helping someone out with academics. My parents always encouraged us to do what we wanted so education was always my choice at an early age. In high school, my Geometry teacher was the one who always pushed me and motivated me to continue and look into a career in Education. ” said Ms. Alejandri.
Prior to her time at SIATech, Ms. Alejandri taught Spanish for eight years and has served in charter schools in Inglewood and South Central L.A. She has a bachelor’s in Spanish Language, a Single Subject Teaching Credential in Spanish and is currently working to earn her masters in Educational Counseling: PPSC w/CWA credential. In addition to earning her degrees she also learned a couple of languages. Ms. Alejandriis trilingual as she is fluent in English, Spanish and French.
This year is Ms. Alejandri's first year with SIATech but she has already made a large impact on the students she serves. One of her favorite things she's done so far is taking students to the Student Advisory Board on Legislation in Education (SABLE) Conference that was held in Sacramento this past year.
“Seeing our students come out of their comfort zone to take a stand about a topic they are extremely passionate about (immigration and restorative justice) and provide possible solutions to our state’s senate. Seeing our students become strong independent leaders brings me back to the “why” in our jobs as educators,” said Ms. Alejandri.
Ms. Alejandri's colleagues appreciate the hardworking and caring individual that she is. “She checks in with students and staff. They all know to go to her for support. She always asks us if we need any support. And she's carrying our CTE/PaxPat program by herself without complaints. Without her, we literally would not be able to graduate anyone who needs Career Exploration,” said an East LA staff member.
The feeling is mutual as Ms. Alejandri expressed her fondness for the team she works with and credits them for being a big part of why she loves SIATech.”My most favorite thing about working at SIATech has been being able to meet and collaborate with other educators who are in this job for the same reasons. My East L.A. team is amazing and I am extremely grateful to be able to work with everyone from that site,” said Ms. Alejandri.
Ms. Alejandri concluded by thanking her colleagues once more, “I’d like to say thank you to the East L.A. team for always being there for every staff member! Thank you for welcoming me and taking me under your wing to learn and do the best I can.”
Congratulations to Ms. Alejandri for being nominated for our SIATech Staff Spotlight! Thank you for your passion and determination to find incredible opportunities for our students!