Maria Barajas

Avance Teacher Resident

I became an educator because… I didn't have many teachers I could go to growing up. I want to be the type of educator that makes a classroom feel like home. I want my students to feel welcomed and safe in my classroom. I want to inspire them to be themselves and gain the confidence they need to be successful.

I chose Equitas because… had no experience working in a school or with kids. But seeing the sense of community Equitas has with its students and families made me want to stay for as long as I have. I have been at Equitas for about 7 years. I went back to school during my first year at Equitas. I went to Cal State Long Beach to get my Bachelor in English Literature. I am now currently working on getting my credential and masters on Education at LMU with a program partnership Avance.

I chose Equitas because...it's in the community I grew up in. Working here has shown me the importance student and teacher relationships. Along with connecting with families being a key point towards our students success.

Outside of school, I enjoy… spending time with family and friends. I enjoy anything that has to do in the visual arts, such as photography and painting. On the weekends, I like to go to a museum or watch a movie with friends.