CFP FOUNDATION AND 2023 LOS ANGELES COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OVERVIEW

LOS ANGELES EDUCATION COMMUNITY NEED

School systems and teachers across the country have been profoundly impacted by the pandemic. Los Angeles is in need of more teachers, diverse teachers and support to keep current teachers engaged and motivated. Further, data suggests that co-curricular and afterschool activities support better attendance,student achievement and social emotional needs of students, and provide support to teachers in the classroom.

2022-23 LA LEGACY WORK STRATEGY OVERVIEW

We know that teachers are the most important factor in student achievement. We believe that great teachers develop future champions, and we have an extraordinary opportunity to help the hard working teachers and coaches in Los Angeles during this critical time of re-entry to the classroom and to support them as they develop the next generation of champions to come from Southern California.

LOS ANGELES PRIMARY INITIATIVES

Teacher Recruitment

The Los Angeles Unified School District, in partnership with the College Football Playoff Foundation, hosted a convening of the LA Unified Black Male Educators Network (BMEN) on Thursday, September 29th at Fremont High School. A panel discussion on the role of the Black male educator was moderated by former NFL player Johnathan Franklin, with a panel that included:

•Sharif El-Mekki (Founder and CEO, The Center for Black Educator Development)

• Dr. Robert Whitman (Fremont Community of Schools Administrator and President of the Council of Black Administrators)

• Dr. ADee Williams (Professor, CSU Los Angeles Charter College of Education)

• Irvin Davis (Teacher and Coach, Susan Miller Dorsey High School)

• Kenneth Turner (Teacher, Alexander Hamilton High School)

• Jackie Slater (NFL Hall of Famer)

The Black Male Educator Network seeks to create a safe space for Black male educators to participate in meaningful professional development, network with their peers, and engage in meaningful discussions on the role and importance of Black male educators in Los Angeles. Workforce diversity is a key strategic goal for the Los Angeles Unified School District, as we strive to recruit and retain teachers and staff whose diverse backgrounds reflect those of our students and families.

During Champ Week, Educators of Tomorrow and Pre-Service teachers will attend an appreciation lunch hosted by CFPF where for recent and soon-to-be college graduates can learn more about teaching, and get advisement on LA Unified’s tuition waived District Intern program that allows candidates to earn their teaching credential while serving as a teacher of record. The event focus is on attracting candidates to LAUSD from underrepresented backgrounds.

Teacher Recognition & Celebration

The Foundation and its partners will support educator recognition and grant programs that spotlight and celebrate educators who go the extra yard for their students both inside and outside the classroom using sport, play and movement. This includes the 2023 Champions Educate Here grant promotion and activities on the Big Day for Teachers.

Additional partnerships will support LA, Inglewood and Pasadena school district efforts to retain outstanding teachers and recruit the next generation of difference-makers and developers of future champions.

Resources

We work with education partners to invest in classroom renovations, upgraded media centers, and providing teachers with the resources they need. This includes a minimum of 10 Extra Yard Makeovers in LA,Inglewood and Pasadena school districts.

We will also provide professional development opportunities for educators to learn from each other and bring best practices into their classrooms, and create opportunities for more diversity within educational leadership roles. This includes our annual Extra Yard for Teachers Summit and professional development sessions centered around mental health and wellness.