Dickinson Grad Leads as LA Educator

Michelle Sánchez, a Dickinson College Posse alumna, is now assistant vice principal at Torres East LA Performing Arts Magnet School. Prior to her new position, Michelle served the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) for over six years, with a decade-long career in education.

Michelle focuses her work on uplifting community, with an emphasis on BIPOC students and their families. She says she consistently applies her own experience as a classroom teacher, first-generation graduate, and school leader to support her students as they plan their futures.

“I work tirelessly to ensure that all students receive the best education and care possible—regardless of their zip code,” Michelle says.

Michelle graduated from Dickinson College in 2011, going on to complete two Master of Education programs, first at Boston College and later at the University of California, Los Angeles.

“I work tirelessly to ensure that all students receive the best education and care possible—regardless of their zip code.”

Michelle first began her career as an English language arts and history teacher in the Boston area. After returning to her hometown of Los Angeles, she taught special education and history. She led teams at two high schools in South Los Angeles, helming program, college and career services for 800 students in 9th and 10th grades.

She is a fierce advocate for students. With a broad range of current community leadership, Michelle is an active board member of the Los Angeles chapter of the New Leaders Council (NLC) and serves in the United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) House of Representatives, advocating for equity and racial justice across the city’s school system. Serving her Posse Los Angeles network, Michelle is a current Posse National Alumni Advisory Council (PNAAC) representative.

“I’m honored to have had the opportunity to be selected as a Posse Scholar,” Michelle says. “My path would have been very different had not been for Posse. I’m part of Posse’s legacy and I am my ancestors’ wildest dream. That is Posse.“