.
You must believe in yourself
to realize your dream.
I was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, but I have made LA my home, with occasional wanderings back to the peace of country and southern talk. It has always been my pleasure to connect with people from all over the world, those whom I teach and those who have taught me about the value of difference, the universality of dreams.
Some say teachers are born. Personally, I never wanted to teach until I was asked to co-teach a writing class. I went prepared to hate the job, but when I walked to the front of the class and looked out at all those curious faces, I knew I’d found my vocation. Since then, I have taught English and English as a Second Language for LA Pierce and Valley Colleges, and even Teaching English as a Second Language to prospective teachers at UCLA Extension. When I began teaching at LA Valley College in 1995, I had only 13 students in a program that grew to serve hundreds.
Today, I have a variety of tasks, all aimed at making LA Valley College the community’s resource for education, training, and personal growth. One task I especially enjoy is assisting Child Development majors on their quest to become preschool teachers by obtaining a State Permit in Child Development. Perhaps you share this goal. If so, come by to speak to me in Bungalow 13. I’m available by phone at (818) 947-2539 or (818) 710-4370. My email is rappbm@lavc.edu
