Together We… Are Pioneers in Education
A strong need to invest in students’ educational success is what drove Alissa Franco to be a pioneer in her field. Alissa goes beyond her title of lead Program Leader at Lakeside Middle School in the Santa Fe Springs region and continues to push the boundaries in education with new initiatives. She was a part of the team that introduced high dosage tutoring at Graves Middle School in Whittier – where her leadership led to academic gains for students and created a lasting partnership within the community. Read more to learn about what Alissa is doing next!
What is your Think Together “why?” What inspired you to work at Think Together and what continues to inspire your work here?
It was an opportunity to gain experience working with children. My plan is to eventually become a teacher and Think Together offers hands-on experience with early learning and child education. As I have built bonds, the children have become my continued inspiration and why I am excited to come to work each day. I work so hard to make sure they have an afterschool program where they are cared for and supported in their educational journey.
The high dosage tutoring program was brand new to Graves Middle School last year, can you explain what it was like to be one of the pioneers of this program and why you were interested in the first place?
It was a scary and brand-new experience to be one of the pioneers of the program. I wasn’t sure what was expected from the program or myself. Even though I was diving into the unknown, the relationships built with my SPM, students and district members were all I needed to take on the task of introducing high dosage tutoring to the school. I was already committed to another school site but wanted to stay to take on this challenge and be a part of this exciting new program.
What do you hope the students will take away from high dosage tutoring?
I hope students will develop a better understanding in subjects where they struggle academically. During my work, I have noticed that students are relying on technology more and not taking detailed notes. This affects their understanding, and they often feel nervous to ask questions later. I would love to see them leave with new studying habits and the confidence to ask questions.
What is something you wish parents, teachers, and people knew about working in the education field and with students?
I wish they knew that patience is mandatory! Many students learn and take in information differently. It is important to learn each student’s way of understanding and with a classroom of 20 or more students, it can take some time. So, if your students are not where you expect them to be, try speaking with them. There are also times when working with students and juggling other professional responsibilities become overwhelming for teachers and Program Leaders. So, please, practice being patient with those who work with students daily.
Is there a student story that has stuck with you? Why?
My student story taught me to believe in the power of relationship building. At the beginning of last year, there was a student, and his older brother enrolled in our high dosage tutoring program. His mother really believed they would benefit from the tutoring, but he was in another program and the transition to Think Together was hard for him. He would hide and would never participate in student activities. This student’s aversion to the program did not discourage me; instead, I decided to talk with him and continued to offer support so when he was ready to learn, we would be waiting with open arms. As our program expanded, we set him up with his own tutor, and he began to excel. Creating that relationship of support and guidance changed this student’s attitude completely and he no longer fought to stay away. It was an amazing feeling to see that we were making a difference.
What is the best piece of advice you have received that you like to share with others?
It’s okay to make mistakes and ask for help. We are all humans with different responsibilities and mistakes are bound to happen. We learn from asking questions. Everyone learns and teaches differently and if they ask questions then they are willing to learn.
What are the professional goals you are hoping to accomplish in 2024?
I want to gain more experience in leadership and management. I believe I have some experience, but I know I can learn more from my peers and my SPMs. I would love to take what I learn and what I know to become a SPM.
Outside of work, what do you do for fun?
Outside of work I love to cuddle up with my cat George and watch some of my favorite movies.