LAUSD Teacher Makes 'Enormous Difference In The Lives Of Students'

Los Angeles, California — Great teachers matter. In Los Angeles, we're fortunate to have teachers like Lydia Vaia.

Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize teachers and show them how much they’re valued and appreciated.

This submission comes from Lisa Allen who nominated Lydia Vaia of Los Angeles.

Teacher’s name

Lydia Vaia

How do you know the teacher?

We’ve been friends for over forty years.

What does this person teach?

At this time she helps other teachers improve their teaching skills. She also teaches English and writing. Lydia Vaia has worked tirelessly for LA Unified throughout her career. She has a high standard of excellence and cares deeply about each young person she encounters. At this time she teaches at a high school in south Los Angeles. Despite shootings in front of her school and students grappling with a myriad of challenges Lydia has dramatically improved test scores of students at her school. She has a great breadth of knowledge and expertise. She is a teaching mentor and an inspiration to all who she encounters.

Why do you believe the teacher should be recognized or honored?

She should be honored because she has made an enormous difference in the lives of young adults. She helps other teachers do their best and has single handedly significantly raised test scores at her school. Lydia has worked for LAUSD for decades and her standard of excellence for herself and her students had never wavered. She spends her own money on supplies when necessary and is always thinking of new lesson plans to engage her students and teach them new skills. She loves helping her students and is a truly selfless person.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the teacher?

That she knows how to truly improve academic performance of her students. I believe she could dramatically improve education in our country if she was recognized for her exceptional ability to teach and engage young people. Students leave her classroom with greater confidence in themselves and their abilities. I believe this is a profound gift to students. So many in the teaching profession burnout but not Lydia. Her desire to create real change has only increased over the years. She puts students first always and believes it’s her life mission to help teens attain their dreams.

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