--- title: "Teacher Spotlight: KIPP Pueblo Unido's Latoya Lewis" description: Highlighting the incredible ways in which our teachers and leaders see, develop and inspire the greatest potential in each KIPPster. image: https://blog.kippsocal.org/hubfs/TeacherSpotlight_Tw_1024_lewis.jpg --- - [About](http://www.kippla.org/about-kipp-la/kipp-la-schools.cfm) - [Approach](http://www.kippla.org/approach/index.cfm) - [Schools](http://www.kippla.org/schools/index.cfm) - [KIPP Through College](http://www.kippla.org/ktc/index.cfm) - [Results](http://www.kippla.org/results/index.cfm) - [Enroll](http://www.kippla.org/enroll/index.cfm) - [Careers](http://www.kippla.org/careers/index.cfm) - [Support](http://www.kippla.org/support/index.cfm) [![KLA.new.logo_vBlue (4).png](https://blog.kippsocal.org/hs-fs/hubfs/KIPPSoCal_logo_white.lightblue%20(1)%20copy.png?width=572&height=226&name=KIPPSoCal_logo_white.lightblue%20(1)%20copy.png "KLA.new.logo_vBlue (4).png")](http://www.kippsocal.org)   Main Menu - [About](https://www.kippsocal.org/about) - [About KIPP SoCal](https://www.kippsocal.org/about/index) - [Community Support](https://www.kippsocal.org/community-support/index) - [Our Team](https://www.kippsocal.org/about/our-team) - [Reports](https://www.kippsocal.org/reports/index) - [Board of Directors](https://www.kippsocal.org/board-of-directors/index) - [Schools](https://www.kippsocal.org/schools) - [Grades TK - 8](https://www.kippsocal.org/schools) - [KIPP Through College](https://www.kippsocal.org/ktc) - [About KTC](https://www.kippsocal.org/ktc/index) - [Donate](https://www.kippsocal.org/donate) - [Why Support KIPP SoCal](https://www.kippsocal.org/donate/index) - [Impact Reports](https://www.kippsocal.org/reports/index) - [Careers](https://www.kippsocal.org/careers) - [Career Areas](https://www.kippsocal.org/careers/index) - [Apply Now](https://jobs.lever.co/kippsocal) - [Enroll](https://www.kippsocal.org/enroll) - [Grades TK - 8](https://www.kippsocal.org/enroll/index) # See. Develop. Inspire. # Teacher Spotlight: KIPP Pueblo Unido's Latoya Lewis Posted by [KIPP SoCal](https://blog.kippsocal.org/author/kipp-socal) on Jan 6, 2020 4:31:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![TeacherSpotlight_Tw_1024_lewis](https://blog.kippsocal.org/hs-fs/hubfs/TeacherSpotlight_Tw_1024_lewis.jpg?width=638&name=TeacherSpotlight_Tw_1024_lewis.jpg) At KIPP SoCal, we believe in the power of highly effective teachers and leaders to see, develop and inspire the greatest potential in each KIPPster. Our schools offer a safe, structured and nurturing environment through which our teachers can foster meaningful relationships built on love, empathy, compassion and respect. As we learn from each other and with each other, we establish a culture of trust that helps our KIPPsters develop a lifetime love of learning.    This month, we sat down with School Leader, Tessa Mizokami, to shine a light on Latoya Lewis, our incredible music teacher at KIPP SoCal's KIPP Pueblo Unido. **What is it about Ms. Lewis that is so unique and inspirational?** Latoya is one of the most phenomenal teachers I have ever had the pleasure to work alongside. All of us have that one teacher we will never forget. That teacher who made you feel like you could achieve anything in their classroom and who made you feel special and seen in a world so big and unforgiving. To all of our students at Pueblo, Latoya is that teacher. There is never a dull moment in her classroom. Students go from clapping beats, to solo performances of their favorite songs, to chanting in unison with huge smiles on their faces. I often say Mrs. Lewis' classroom is the heart beat of Pueblo Unido. The joy she creates in her classroom radiates and reaches every corner of our school. Because of her, students have unprompted sing alongs at recess and they leave school skipping to the new beat they learned that day. Families often remark that when they ask their student about their day, the first thing they say is, "Well, in music today...". All of Latoya's hard work and love she pours into our kids was showcased at our winter concert.  **"I often say Ms. Lewis' classroom is the heart beat of Pueblo Unido."                       ****- Tessa Mizokami, School Leader**   **In what ways does Ms. Lewis reflect KIPP Pueblo Unidos' core values?** Latoya is not only "that one teacher" to our students, but also to our families and staff. The love she shows our students is the same kind of love she shows every stakeholder in our school. During dismissal, you'll see Mrs. Lewis embracing our families with hugs and individual greetings. She is a teacher because she LOVES working in communities and spreading her love of music. For her, the work is not just about our students, but about every person she works alongside. Her innate love of the people in her community is the driving force behind her optimism. She is always radiating with a belief in a better tomorrow through her smiles, laugher and positive energy. ![213A-01-0944 - Tessa Mizokami](https://blog.kippsocal.org/hs-fs/hubfs/213A-01-0944%20-%20Tessa%20Mizokami.jpg?width=2400&name=213A-01-0944%20-%20Tessa%20Mizokami.jpg) **"I love teaching because of that lightbulb moment that occurs when a music concept finally makes sense to a student. I also love the smiles, giggles and genuine joy children have about the big and small things in life. Their perspective is refreshing." -- Latoya Lewis** **[![Teach With Us in 2020-2021](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/2464359/7a5550d2-daa4-4c42-bb97-5ed9aa88ea9d.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/2464359/7a5550d2-daa4-4c42-bb97-5ed9aa88ea9d)** Topics: [elementary school](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/elementary-school), [kippsocal](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kippsocal), [middle school](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/middle-school), [KIPP Foundation](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-foundation), [extracurricular activities](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/extracurricular-activities), [extracurricular](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/extracurricular), [music](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/music), [music teacher](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/music-teacher), [community](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/community), [kipppueblounido](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipppueblounido) ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [Positive School Culture (30)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/positive-school-culture) - [elementary school (21)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/elementary-school) - [Focus on Excellence (19)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/focus-on-excellence) - [kippsocal (19)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kippsocal) - [middle school (16)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/middle-school) - [KIPP Is Community (15)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-is-community) - [charter schools (15)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/charter-schools) - [charterswork (11)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/charterswork) - [KIPP Through College (9)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-through-college) - [community (9)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/community) - [compassion (9)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/compassion) - [College and Careers (8)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/college-and-careers) - [KIPP Iluminar Academy (8)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-iluminar-academy) - [charter school (8)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/charter-school) - [educational equity (8)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/educational-equity) - [KIPP Scholar Academy (7)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-scholar-academy) - [educational access (7)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/educational-access) - [charter management organizations (6)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/charter-management-organizations) - [extra curricular (6)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/extra-curricular) - [kippthroughcollege (6)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kippthroughcollege) - [scholar spotlight (6)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/scholar-spotlight) - [College Acceptance (5)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/college-acceptance) - [#toandthrough (4)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/toandthrough) - [KIPP Comienza (4)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-comienza) - [KIPP Empower Academy (4)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-empower-academy) - [KIPP LA Prep (4)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-la-prep) - [KTC (4)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/ktc) - [Music Education (4)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/music-education) - [National Blue Ribbon (4)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/national-blue-ribbon) - [Professional Development (4)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/professional-development) - [kipp socal (4)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-socal) - [social emotional (4)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/social-emotional) - [#focusonexcellence (3)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/focusonexcellence) - [KIPP Academy of Innovation (3)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-academy-of-innovation) - [KIPP Corazón Academy (3)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-corazón-academy) - [KIPP Foundation (3)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-foundation) - [KIPP LA (3)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-la) - [KIPP LA Alumni (3)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-la-alumni) - [School Opening (3)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/school-opening) - [charter renewal (3)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/charter-renewal) - [cherry-picking (3)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/cherry-picking) - [district schools (3)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/district-schools) - [enrollment (3)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/enrollment) - [extracurricular (3)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/extracurricular) - [extracurricular activities (3)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/extracurricular-activities) - [mental health (3)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/mental-health) - [middle schools (3)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/middle-schools) - [open enrollment (3)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/open-enrollment) - [public school (3)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/public-school) - [social emotional learning (3)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/social-emotional-learning) - [special education teacher (3)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/special-education-teacher) - [sped (3)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/sped) - [California PBIS (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/california-pbis) - [Family Ambassadors (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/family-ambassadors) - [Financial Planning (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/financial-planning) - [Governor Newsome (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/governor-newsome) - [Graduation (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/graduation) - [High School Placement (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/high-school-placement) - [High School Scholarships (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/high-school-scholarships) - [Huntington Park (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/huntington-park) - [IEP (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/iep) - [Innovation Day (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/innovation-day) - [KIPP Academy of Opportunity (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-academy-of-opportunity) - [KIPP Compton Community School (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-compton-community-school) - [KIPP Philosophers Academy (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-philosophers-academy) - [KIPP Pueblo Unido (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-pueblo-unido) - [adapted physical education teacher (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/adapted-physical-education-teacher) - [advocacy (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/advocacy) - [award winning schools (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/award-winning-schools) - [cohort model (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/cohort-model) - [kipp sol academy (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-sol-academy) - [music (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/music) - [music teacher (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/music-teacher) - [nonprofit (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/nonprofit) - [occupational therapist (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/occupational-therapist) - [positive behavior intervention (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/positive-behavior-intervention) - [positive behavior intervention & supports (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/positive-behavior-intervention-supports) - [school counselor (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/school-counselor) - [special education (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/special-education) - [speech pathologist (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/speech-pathologist) - [teacher residency (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/teacher-residency) - [teaching (2)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/teaching) - [#Voter Registration (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/voter-registration) - [#kippiscommunity (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kippiscommunity) - [15 Years Proving the Possible (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/15-years-proving-the-possible) - [AB 1505 (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/ab-1505) - [Alliance College-Ready Public Schools (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/alliance-college-ready-public-schools) - [CCSA (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/ccsa) - [Carolyn Sloan (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/carolyn-sloan) - [College Scholarships (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/college-scholarships) - [Compton (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/compton) - [Culmination Ceremonies (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/culmination-ceremonies) - [DACA (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/daca) - [Fordham Institute (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/fordham-institute) - [Greendot Schools (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/greendot-schools) - [Harriett Ball Award (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/harriett-ball-award) - [Harvard University (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/harvard-university) - [High School Applications (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/high-school-applications) - [Hispanic Heritage Month (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/hispanic-heritage-month) - [KIPP Alumni (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-alumni) - [KIPP Campers (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-campers) - [KIPP Family Ambassadors (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-family-ambassadors) - [KIPP Promesa Prep (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-promesa-prep) - [KIPP Raíces (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-raíces) - [KIPP Raíces Academy (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-raíces-academy) - [KIPP School Summit (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-school-summit) - [MOKA (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/moka) - [NFL (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/nfl) - [PBIS (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/pbis) - [Physical Education (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/physical-education) - [STEM (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/stem) - [Simone Edwards (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/simone-edwards) - [South Gate (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/south-gate) - [Stanford University (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/stanford-university) - [Thomas B. Fordham Institute (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/thomas-b-fordham-institute) - [accelerator progam (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/accelerator-progam) - [alder graduation school of education (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/alder-graduation-school-of-education) - [amazonsmile (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/amazonsmile) - [andover (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/andover) - [assessments (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/assessments) - [astronomy (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/astronomy) - [autism (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/autism) - [autistic behavior (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/autistic-behavior) - [behavior therapist (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/behavior-therapist) - [body diversity (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/body-diversity) - [charitable organization (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/charitable-organization) - [clarinet (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/clarinet) - [classical music (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/classical-music) - [curiosity (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/curiosity) - [dancers giving back (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/dancers-giving-back) - [dia de los muertos (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/dia-de-los-muertos) - [double bass (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/double-bass) - [enrichment (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/enrichment) - [environmental issues (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/environmental-issues) - [excellence (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/excellence) - [first lego league (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/first-lego-league) - [first year teaching (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/first-year-teaching) - [folklorico (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/folklorico) - [general education teacher (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/general-education-teacher) - [grammar (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/grammar) - [holiday (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/holiday) - [holiday break reading tips (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/holiday-break-reading-tips) - [honor (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/honor) - [hug (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/hug) - [inclusion (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/inclusion) - [integrity (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/integrity) - [interactive books (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/interactive-books) - [interactive children's books (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/interactive-childrens-books) - [jazz (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/jazz) - [kipp ignite academy (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-ignite-academy) - [kipp vida prep (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-vida-prep) - [kipp vida preparatory academy (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipp-vida-preparatory-academy) - [kipppueblounido (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/kipppueblounido) - [love (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/love) - [love activists (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/love-activists) - [non-verbal (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/non-verbal) - [optimism (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/optimism) - [phillips academy (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/phillips-academy) - [phonics (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/phonics) - [reading (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/reading) - [reading resources (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/reading-resources) - [reading tips (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/reading-tips) - [robotics (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/robotics) - [science fair (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/science-fair) - [simonemariposa (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/simonemariposa) - [special needs (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/special-needs) - [spelling bee (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/spelling-bee) - [stimming (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/stimming) - [struggling readers (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/struggling-readers) - [student diversity (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/student-diversity) - [student government (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/student-government) - [teacher spotlight (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/teacher-spotlight) - [the Big Lucky Band (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/the-big-lucky-band) - [tips (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/tips) - [to and through (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/to-and-through) - [to and through college (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/to-and-through-college) - [trombone (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/trombone) - [tuba (1)](https://blog.kippsocal.org/topic/tuba) see all Work hard. Be nice. Stay connected. [***newsletter***](https://www.kippsocal.org/newsletter-sign-up) [***facebook***](https://www.facebook.com/kippsocal) [***twitter***](https://twitter.com/kippsocal) [***contact***](https://www.kippsocal.org/questions) ### [![KIPPSoCal_logo_white.lightblue copy](https://blog.kippsocal.org/hs-fs/hubfs/KIPPSoCal_logo_white.lightblue%20copy.png?width=251&name=KIPPSoCal_logo_white.lightblue%20copy.png)](https://www.kippsocal.org) Notice of Intention to Amend a Conflict of Interest Code for KIPP SoCal Public Schools ### Contact Us - [Questions?](https://www.kippsocal.org/questions) -   - 3601 East First Street - Los Angeles, CA  90063 - Phone: 213.489.4461 ### Quick Links [Board Meetings](https://www.kippsocal.org/board-of-directors/board-meetings) [Recent Board Meeting Agenda](https://www.kippsocal.org/board-of-directors/board-meetings) [Blog](https://www.http://blog.kippla.org/) [Procurement](http://new-staged-website.kippla.campussuite.site/procurement%20www.kippsocal.org/procurement) KIPP LA Schools © 2013 All Rights Reserved | [Terms and Conditions](http://www.kippla.org/about-kipp-la/Terms-of-Use.cfm) | Privacy Policy| [Powered by Campus Suite®](http://www.campussuite.com/)