Jennifer Barako

"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." -Dr. Suess

Bio

  • Bachelor of Arts, Theater- Loyola Marymount University
  • Master of Science, Education- University of Southern California
  • Professional Clear Multiple-Subject Credential (Bilingual)- University of Southern California

I am a proud graduate of Assumption (class of ’91) and I’ve been a teacher at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary since 2011. ABVM prepared me well for high school at Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy. The skills I learned as a theater major at LMU continue to be useful tools in my “bag of tricks” as a primary grades teacher.  I’ve enjoyed using my theater background as director of the annual Assumption Spring Concert.  I received my Master’s degree and teaching credential at USC. Upon completing my program I worked for the Los Angeles Unified School District for 3 years as a 1st grade teacher at Hobart Elementary.  I helped open up Mariposa-Nabi Primary Center, a new LAUSD school in Korea town.  I was a first grade teacher there for 6 years before I had the wonderful opportunity of coming back to Assumption as the first grade teacher for 9 years.

I enjoy teaching primary grades because I love teaching my students how to grow academically by learning the phonetic building blocks that unlock reading and writing. I enjoy incorporating singing, dancing, skits, and structured play to learn. I strive to guide my students to not only become proficient readers & writers, but to be mathematicians, scientists, athletes, artists, caring citizens and loving Catholics.

When I’m not teaching I enjoy going to the movies, having dance parties at home, cheering on the Dodgers, Lakers, & Trojans, going to the beach, and taking walks in my neighborhood. I’m married to Mike, a fellow educator, and the proud parent of three wonderful children: Rose Mia, Jack Sebastian, and Hope Marie.