Partnership for Los Angeles Schools
Meet Danielle Torrez (she/her), History and AP Psychology teacher at Math, Science, and Technology Magnet Academy (MSTMA), co-located at Roosevelt High School. We connected with her about the new school year, what she’s looking forward to, and how she builds belonging in her classroom.
From an early age, Ms. Torrez knew she wanted to teach. Inspired by her kind and supportive second-grade teacher, she always pictured herself in a classroom. Though initially interested in teaching math, she shifted her focus after taking Chicano, African American, and ethnic studies courses in college.
“I was fascinated by the perspectives those classes offered, and I hoped to bring that awareness to my own students someday,” said the ninth-year educator, now in her second year at MSTMA.
For Ms. Torrez, the start of the school year means returning to her routine of bell schedules, meetings, and grading, and creating environments where students belong and are inspired to learn. She begins by inviting students to write “I Am From” poems about the people, foods, places, and experiences that shape them, and she shares her own. “I want to see what’s important to them,” she explains.
Ms. Torrez centers her teaching on belonging. She co-creates community agreements with students, emphasizing shared responsibility: “You’re not just renting a desk. You have responsibility for what happens in the classroom,” adding that she asks them to hold her accountable, too. Her classroom environment reflects this, making it welcoming and affirming.