About Us
“EDUCATION IS A CONSTANT PROCESS FOR THE LIBERATION OF HUMAN BEINGS.“ PAULO FREIRE
We believe what Paulo Freire says about education and we take what we do at OEZSA very seriously. Education is a tool for liberation. Liberation means freedom. The more knowledge acquired the more free we become. We believe the learning environment is sacred and we strive to create a school where the learning environment is like a sanctuary or a very special place. We strive to ensure the success, safety and serenity of all in our community.
WE ARE ALL FREEDOM FIGHTERS!
In and around school, CTM and Staff may refer to scholars as ZAPATISTAS. Since our school is named after the Mexican revolutionary Emiliano Zapata, we definitely relate to the Zapatista movement. The Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN) originated in Chiapas, Mexico to fight for the rights of the indigenous or “the original peoples”. The Zapatistas believe that the indigenous of Mexico have a right to pursue their way of life, which depends heavily upon the use of land. This often contrasts with what the Mexican government wants and as a result, the indigenous way of life is devalued and threatened. EZLN resists this oppression and violation of rights. Street Academy scholars are encouraged to believe what Martin Luther King Jr believed – “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” You too must resist.
WE ARE ALL ZAPATISTAS! WE ARE ALL FREEDOM FIGHTERS!
In and around school you may hear your CTM or a Staff Support person referring to you as a ZAPATISTA. Since our school is named after the Mexican revolutionary Emiliano Zapata, it is appropriate for us to relate ourselves to Zapatistas. The Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN) originated in Chiapas, Mexico to fight for the rights of the indigenous or “the original peoples”. The Zapatistas believe that the indigenous of Mexico have a right to pursue their way of life, which depends heavily upon the use of land. This often contrasts with what the Mexican government wants and as a result, the indigenous way of life is devalued and its existence threatened.
Vision
Since 1973, the Oakland Emiliano Zapata Street Academy has been a small, alternative high school committed to preventing students of color from dropping out or being pushed out of the education system while providing access to academic success. Street Academy exists to resist race, class and other inequalities in our public schools, in our society and in our world.
We promote Academic Achievement, Civic Engagement, Respect, Responsibility and Unity.
- Students who would have otherwise dropped out of high school become college eligible and are prepared for a career after graduation.
- Students are taught to take responsibility for themselves, others and the improvement of society by actively engaging in the struggle against oppression in all its forms.
- Students learn to respect themselves and others while the Counselor/Teacher/Mentor (CTM) establishes genuine relationships with youth built on high expectations and mutual respect.
- Students are inspired by culturally relevant curriculum that emphasizes social justice.
- Since 1973 the Street Academy community has remained united in the struggle to provide exceptional education for all students.
Street Academy Staff & CTM's
Staff | Position |
|---|---|
Bukola Lawal | Executive Director |
Bobby Young | Office Manager |
Nancy Hanna | Administrative Assistant / Spanish Teacher
|
Jonathon Overmyer | Internship & College Readiness Coordinator
|
Jaron Epstein | Resource Specialist |
Jason Del Aguila | Afterschool Program Coordinator
|
Lanie Neher | Afterschool Program Assistant
|
Zappa Montag | CTM – Humanities Instructor
|
Jim Shiffer | CTM – Math & Science Instructor
|
Mitzy Valdez | CTM – Humanities Instructor |
Mari Dreamwalker | CTM- Humanities Instructor
|
Emiliano Zapata
Emiliano Zapata (1879-1919) was a village leader, farmer and horseman who became an important leader in the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920).
ESLR
Expected Schoolwide Learning Results
Rules and Expectations
Schoolwide practices to ensure Street Academy is a fun, safe and productive environment!