Empowering Leaders: Get to Know iLEAD Agua Dulce Counselor Ms. T!

We are shining a spotlight on the wonderful Ms. T, our dedicated counselor who makes iLEAD Agua Dulce feel like family.

Please tell us about your background and how you came to be at iLEAD Agua Dulce.

I worked at Highland High for eight years doing different jobs, from campus security to intern counselor and everything in between. I heard a lot of different things about charter schools, and when iLEAD Agua Dulce had a open counselor position, I applied. I took a leap on faith.

What’s the best part about being a school counselor at iLEAD Agua Dulce? What’s the biggest challenge?

The best part is meeting new students with new challenges that I am able to assist with. The biggest challenge is remembering everyone’s name!

What do you LOVE about iLEAD Agua Dulce? What sets it apart from other schools?

iLEAD Agua Dulce is like family. Everyone knows everyone and is willing to help when needed.

In your opinion, what makes a great leader?

Someone who empowers, uplifts, and inspires others toward a shared goal. While leadership can look different depending on the setting (schools, workplaces, communities, etc.), most great leaders share several core qualities like empathy, accountability, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.

There are great social-emotional learning activities/opportunities at iLEAD Agua Dulce. Can you share a story about seeing learners using them in action (or yourself)?

I walk the campus and greet learners/staff.

What does a day in your school life look like?

I usually check in on my learners who are on my caseload to ensure that they are okay and have everything they need before our scheduled sessions.

Please name three fun facts about you.

1. I like to watch crime TV shows (Law & Order: SVU, Chicago PD).
2. I like to try new recipes that I find on Pinterest.
3. Traveling has became a new and exciting hobby (cruises are my FAVORITE).

Thank you, Ms. T, for your dedication to our learners and for helping to make iLEAD Agua Dulce such a welcoming community!

About iLEAD Agua Dulce:

iLEAD Agua Dulce is a free public school offering TK-12th graders a unique, personalized education in picturesque Agua Dulce, CA. Founded in 2018, the school emphasizes leadership development, play-based and project-based learning, and social-emotional development. Its outdoor classroom, complete with farm animals, promotes empathy and responsibility. Learners benefit from technology, arts, and aerospace opportunities, developing collaborative skills and critical thinking. High schoolers take advantage of UC a-g approved coursework, Career & Technical Education (CTE), and the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme, preparing for success in college and career. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook and find us at www.ileadaguadulce.org.

Join our innovative school today!