Email: Mr. Jones

Subject: History

I've lived in many places, but have always felt most at home in a classroom. I liked the classrooms at the University of Southern California enough to stay there for six years, long enough to earn an undergraduate degree in History and a Master of Arts in Teaching. Since then, I've spent four years combining those degrees as a history teacher in two different Los Angeles charter schools.

I am excited by the opportunity to work with New West's motivated student community. I believe charter schools offer students the chance to find their best possible learning style and achieve at the highest possible level.

Outside of school, I fill my time by reading everything I can get my hands on. This also distracts me from the ongoing NBA lockout, which keeps me from getting fresh material for my blog.

Email: Ms. Almendarez

Subject: ELA

As a teacher, I love the diverse faces, the intriguing thoughts and comments, the look of awe at the dawn of understanding. I even love the frustrating taps that color my day. It is a world of fascinating chaos. I cannot imagine myself anywhere else and I think that's what scares me the most.

After graduating from the University of California at Santa Barbara, I began my teaching experience in the Los Angeles Unified School District and Oakland Unified. Both school districts disappointed me and so, instead of leaving the teaching profession, I went in search of something better, which I believe I have found.

Two years ago, I decided to undertake graduate work again and began another master's program. Besides teaching and graduate school, I love to read, write, draw, travel and spend time with my younger siblings.

Email: Mrs. Slaughter

Subject: Pre Algebra & Algebra

Throughout college I worked as a TA. My experience in the classroom made me extremely excited about becoming a teacher. However, after graduation I decided to take a different path. I worked in the corporate world for several years and realized I needed to go back to the place that makes me most happy, the classroom.

You might know too little, but you can never know too much. I consider myself a life-long learner and I hope to pass on the appreciation and value of learning to my students. For the last 2 years I have been working with LAUSD students in math. My graduate research has been focusing on the effect of NCLB (No Child Left Behind) on the math classroom.

I believe in working hard, but keeping a balance. To center myself, I spend time with my husband and son. I appreciate travel, yoga and good food. I am elated to be at New West! The drive and enthusiasm of the staff, students and parents have been contagious. I am looking forward to a wonderful year!

Email: Ms. Herring

Subject: Science

I'm always impressed by how many of my students walk in the door already knowing interesting facts about biology! The most rewarding part of my job is helping students connect the concepts covered in my class to things they already know about science and the world around them.

I received my undergraduate degree from UC Santa Barbara and my graduate degree from Loyola Marymount University. I'm credentialed to teach both Life Science and ELA. This is my third year here at New West and I have fond memories of students from each year. I look forward to another wonderful year with New West!