Email: Mr. Straka

Subject: History

After graduating from high school - I still haven't received my diploma because of an overdue book - I attended the University of Colorado at Boulder finishing with a degree in Broadcast News and a minor in American History.

After a few stints in small town television news, I moved to Los Angeles with stars in my eyes and a pocket full of dreams. Media big wigs in Los Angeles kindly emptied all hope and dreams of my television and radio career so I went back to school to become a teacher.

I attended CSUN's accelerated teaching program and finished in a year and luckily found New West, a school that was willing to take a chance on a bearded man.

Email: Ms. Wilson

Subject: ELA

I was raised in Santa Monica and attended public school in the Santa Monica – Malibu Unified School District. I earned my undergraduate degree in English and my teaching credential from California State University, Northridge. I enjoy writing, music, and spending time with my daughter.

I have literally worked with students of all ages. I was a preschool teacher for over eight years and then decided I wanted to work with youth in a secondary school setting. I taught part-time at Santa Monica High School for two years and then moved on to a full-time position teaching 8th grade English in the LAUSD.

I am pleased to be a member of the New West community. I am dedicated to educating and inspiring students. I am extremely enthusiastic about the achievements and challenges that I will face while working with New West students.

Email: Mr. Sigler

Subject: Science

I was born and raised in Colorado, and attended The Colorado College. This is my 11th year of teaching. I've taught 6th grade in Colorado Springs for one year, 8th grade in Washington DC for 2 years, and I've taught 8th grade science at New West for the past 8 years.

I love the opportunity New West presents to work with such a diverse community of learners who all want to be here and learn.

Email: Ms. Haskins

Subject: Algebra & Geometry

Since as long as I can remember I wanted to be a teacher. I naturally gravitated toward teaching math due to the inspiration of my high school math teacher who was not only an excellent teacher but also a phenomenal human being. After graduating high school in South Africa I moved to Los Angeles to attend college. I received a Bachelors Degree in Cultural Anthropology and later a Mathematics Teaching Credential from UCLA. My teaching career began in 2001 for the Los Angeles Unified School District teaching pre-algebra and algebra. This year I am excited to be a member of the New West Charter community. My favorite things to do (besides teaching) are swimming in the ocean, running at the beach, playing tennis, and reading.