水果派

The Instructional Leadership Program is dedicated to increasing diversity within the teaching profession and supporting excellent teacher candidates. We celebrate African American teachers and social justice educators!

Bessie Bruington Burke was the first African American teacher and principal in L.A. public schools. She earned her teaching certificate in 1911 from the Los Angeles Normal School, now UCLA, where she graduated at the top of her class. She served the community in the many organizations including the YWCA, the NAACP, and as a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority. We honor Black teachers and teachers who effectively teach Black students in her name.

We offer two opportunities for current and future educators:

UCLA Community School, Los Angeles

Alexander Hamilton High School, Los Angeles

Cheylinel Gaston Lewis (affectionately known as Ms. G) has been teaching math for 15 years in LAUSD. She spent the majority of her time as an educator in South LA, opening a community-centered pilot school and South LA's first medical magnet public school, and recently began teaching at Hamilton High School. Not only has she served as a math teacher, but over the years she has also served as an athletic director, ASB co-advisor, program coordinator, and varsity volleyball coach. At Hamilton High School, she serves as a math teacher, assistant athletic director, coordinator for the expanded learning opportunities program, and coach of the champion boys volleyball team.

Notre Dame High School, Sherman Oaks

Elisia Harkins-James, MFA, is a distinguished educator and media visionary with over 20 years of experience redefining the boundaries of the digital classroom. A proud graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Elisia’s career is marked by exceptional honors, including recognition from the High School Sundance Film Program and the Universal Studios/Panasonic Award.

As the Communications Department Chair and TV/Film Teacher at Notre Dame High School, Elisia has successfully transformed the educational experience into a high-energy media studio. By mentoring her students in industry-standard tools like Adobe Premiere and Davinci Resolve, she ensures they graduate as professional storytellers ready to lead in a global landscape.

Beyond her professional accolades, Elisia is a champion for equity. Through her nonprofit organization—founded in honor of her late mother and husband—she creates pathways for underrepresented youth in photography, filmmaking, and education. By bridging the gap between the classroom and the industry, she empowers every student to find and use their voice. Guided by her faith and her motto, “I can do all things through Christ,” Elisia lives a life of service and creative excellence. When she isn’t inspiring the next generation of filmmakers, she enjoys watching films, spending time with family, friends, and her faithful companion, Jax the Doodle.

Hesperia High School, Hesperia

My name is MAQ McNair, English teacher at Hesperia High School in Hesperia, CA. I teach Sophomore English, Academic Focus, serve as a co-advisor to our Christian club, advise our Creative Writing Club, and once upon a time, our BSU and Step Crew. Additionally, I am a dad, big brother, uncle as well as a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. I'm a POD Ambassador for the California Black Educators' Initiative (CBEI) that provides support for Black Educators seeking their National Board certification. I am also a Human Rights Cadre Trainer, EMEID Workgroup Chair and state delegate for CTA. I also serve or have served as a mentor teacher/adjunct professor for CGU's Critical Social Justice Teacher Education students, and a continuing presenter for CTA conferences. I am currently 1 of 15 CREEO CABSC Teacher Fellows out of UC Berkeley! Lastly, when asked if or why I am passionate about this work: I'd say, "YES, that and then some! I see myself as a little more than just an Educator and Motivational Speaker, I'm a Child Advocate, Lifelong Learner, and soon to be a National Board Certified Teacher because our students and profession deserve tangible examples of the best!

The Buckley School, Sherman Oaks

Broadway Elementary School, Venice

My name is Dameon D. Pichetrungsi, although I am formally known as Mr. D throughout my 20 year experience with LAUSD.  I am currently a Special Education Assistant at Broadway Elementary in Venice, CA, where I have been for over 10 years.  In 2017, I was honored to receive LAUSD’s Classified Employee of the Year Award for the entire district for my commitment to our special needs students, as well as my dedication outside the classroom by creating lunch programs for students with behavioral challenges, social-emotional challenges, and/or life challenges (i.e. a Book Exchange Club, a Boys 2 Men Club, and the Writer’s Block elective) to ensure a positive outlet on campus for these students.  As a former foster youth and homeless youth, it is imperative for me to connect, counsel, and uplift students/young people to reach their full potential in the classroom and in their daily lives.  I am honored, humbled, and grateful for Amy Ardell’s nomination, and to receive the Bessie Bruington Burke “Excellence in Teaching” Award, and I am committed to continuing to learn and grow as an educator to lead our young population to the stars and beyond.

John Muir High School, Pasadena

Alexander Hamilton High School, Los Angeles

My role here at Alexander Hamilton High School is teacher. I teach Honors African American Lit and Honors Tenth Grade English. I'm a graduate of Chapman University and have been teaching for twenty-four years. I'm a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. I've been married for twenty-four years, and have a daughter who is a freshman at Occidental College.

St. Eugene’s Elementary School, Los Angeles

Greetings, My name is Delyce Elam. I am currently employed at St. Eugene School as the 1st grade teacher, Vice Principal, and STEP Coordinator. I am Mom to three amazing young men, Jimmie, Karsen, and Kash. I am empowered and thrilled to answer God’s calling on my life as an educator to our future leaders.

Mid-City’s Prescott School, Los Angeles

Monique Marshall Consulting, Los Angeles

Founder of Monique Marshall Strategy & Consulting, Monique is a Diversity and Equity consultant and educator who has been working with children and teachers in independent and public schools for over 30 years. With a BS in Elementary Education from Skidmore College and a Master's degree from Bank Street Graduate School in New York City, Monique has been dedicated to working with and learning from young people her entire adult life. Monique is also a board member of SoCal POCIS (Southern California People of Color in Independent Schools) and a proud parent of two adulting children who have taught her most everything she knows!

Hudnall Elementary School, Inglewood