Veronica Vega

“I make home visits to better understand the students I serve…. I establish a positive relationship with parents and students that transfer into the classroom. I believe it is my duty to empower my students to be agents of change.” —Veronica Vega, from her 2013 California Teacher of the Year Application

A National Board certified teacher, Veronica has taught at the elementary school level from 1st grade to 5th grade which included Gifted and Talented Education, Sheltered English Immersion, and bilingual education.

More recently she has stepped out of the classroom and served as a Middle School Instructional Coach and currently is a Title I Coordinator. She also has extensive experience providing staff development, mentorships, and training for other teachers and parents.

Growing up in the inner city as an English Learner was difficult for Veronica, but with the dedication of her parents and teachers she succeeded and the seed for becoming a teacher was planted. She works hard to build relationships between educators, students, and parents.

Giving back seems second nature to this exceptional teacher who chose to return to the community in which she grew up, a devoted teacher who works hard to instill in teachers that the students they work with can succeed no matter what.

Ms. Vega earned her Master of Education and Administrative Services Credential at Cal State Dominguez Hills and Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology at UC Los Angeles. She also received her National Board Certification in English as a New Language. She received her Crosscultural, Language, and Academic Development Certificate from UCLA Extension, and Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential at Los Angeles Unified School District, District Intern Program. She is a member of several professional organizations including the National Teachers Association, California Teachers Association, Alliance of Asian Pacific Administrators, and United Teachers Los Angeles.

Ms. Vega received the Charter College of Education Distinguished Educator Award from Cal State Los Angeles and the Edmund G. Pat Brown Institute of Public Affairs-Community Service Award. She has been recognized as a Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year and Los Angeles Unified School District Teacher of the Year.