From the Bronx to Silver Lake: Principals at top school in LAUSD

Citizens of the World Charter Schools Silver Lake’s principals met in 2002 as first-time teachers at an elementary school in the Bronx. Both daughters of immigrants, Maureen Lamorena-Tatsui and Ramona Patrick, were taking part in Teach for America when they formed a friendship that would take them to Los Angeles where they would lead, together, one of the top schools in the district.

“We watched each other teach our very first lessons to students 15 years ago. It’s amazing working with Maureen. She just knows who I am,” said Ramona Patrick, principal of CWC Silver Lake’s 6-8 school. “We understand each other at such a deep level that we can present new ideas to one another and push back to get the very best solutions possible. It’s true teamwork.”

As co-principals (Maureen runs the TK-5 and Ramona the 6-8 program), the two friends, colleagues and former roommates are nurturing a high-quality, diverse school in the heart of Silver Lake. Their teamwork and leadership, as well as the efforts of the rest of the staff, families and students at CWC Silver Lake, are yielding major academic achievements for the school. CWC Silver Lake is in the top 14 percent of schools in LAUSD in English and top 13 percent in math.

Maureen, the daughter of Filipino immigrants and Ramona, whose mother emigrated from China, use their experiences growing up as minorities to create a school environment where students from different socioeconomic, ethnic, religious and racial backgrounds can become stronger students and be prepared to succeed in our diverse world because of the diversity that surrounds them.

“Growing up the daughter of immigrants, I understand just how transformative education can be for someone’s future,” said Maureen. “I have seen firsthand what happens when teachers are focused on creating a school where students can be proud of who they are and accepting of others who may have different backgrounds. It’s inspiring, and Ramona and I work every day to ensure our school is a place all families and students feel welcome.”

Both Maureen and Ramona have traveled similar paths since their first teaching days in the Bronx together. They decided to dedicate their careers to ensuring minority communities have the resources and opportunities they need to develop and fulfill their education goals. Ramona, who lived in a mixed race and multi-generational household with her mother, aunt as well as grandparents, worked as a math coach in underserved communities in Los Angeles to help close the achievement gap. Ramona taught in Lynwood before earning her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California, where she focused on math and literacy.

As a teacher for 10 years at Dickison Elementary in Compton, Maureen was the go-to educator for struggling students. Through this experience, she learned how important it is for teachers to make personal connections with students to develop their self-esteem and instill the belief that they can determine their own futures. At CWC Silver Lake, Maureen coaches and supports her teachers and encourages them to take the time to understand and celebrate the backgrounds of their students.

“Maureen and Ramona exemplify the Citizens of the World mission, which is all about building strong academic communities that are diverse, supportive and focused on creating opportunities for students and families from different backgrounds to grow together,” said Mark Kleger-Heine, Executive Director of Citizens of the World Los Angeles. “Their teamwork is leading to strong results for their students and is a model for our teachers and staff throughout Los Angeles.”

Citizens of the World Silver Lake is still enrolling students for this school year. Details on enrollment and for next year can be found at http://www.cwclosangeles.org/admissions/