MENTOR: Laura Lemos

ORGANIZATION/SITE: KIPP Adelante Preparatory Academy

Mentor Interview Questions

What is the organization/companys mission or purpose?
KIPP Adelante Preparatory Academy (KIPP Adelante) is a small college-preparatory public
middle school serving 360 students in grades five through eight. We are a charter school
authorized by San Diego Unified and are open to all students on a first-come, first-served basis.
At KIPP Adelante, we believe that all students are capable of achieving at high levels, and
attaining a college education. We use the Spanish word Adelante, as part of our name to instill
in our students and families that everyone will be focused on getting ahead for college and life.
Our school is based upon the acclaimed KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) model, which has
achieved extraordinary success nationwide. There are currently 99 KIPP schools in 20 states
and the District of Columbia serving more than 26,000 students. Nationally, more than 85% of
KIPP Alumni have gone on to college.
What is a typical workday like?
My typical work day involves arriving at school between 6:30 and 7:00 am. I check my email to
ensure all teachers have what they need and that there are no absences. I greet students as
they walk down the hill from the first bus. The morning time is spent helping teachers and others
get ready for the day and checking in with students.
What are your main duties and responsibilities?
My main duties and responsibilities are to help teachers help students. In order to accomplish
this, I regularly observe teachers during their lessons and I provide them feedback on how to
improve their lessons. I also help teachers by creating and finding resources for them to use in
the classroom.
How is the organization structured?
In the organization we have an Executive Director, Principal, 2 Assistant Principals, a Director of
Finance and KIPP Through College, and 19 teachers.
Tell us about your path in getting to where you are today- what is your educational
history and work experience prior to working here?
I graduated from UC Irvine in 2004. Joined Teach for America and taught for two years while
teaching in LA. I received my Masters in Elementary Education from Loyola Marymount
University in 2006. I moved back to San Diego and began working for a charter school in El
Cajon as a bilingual teacher. In 2010, I received my Administrative Credential. I moved to a
school in Chula Vista and began teaching upper grade STEM classes. I am currently studying to
receive my doctorate in Educational Leadership from USC. I hope to complete my program by

May 2016.
Why did you choose to work here?
I was offered the job after observing the school leader. I thought that KIPP Adelante was a
wonderful place that could make a huge difference in the lives of students.
What qualifications do employees need to be successful here and how are those
qualifications acquired?
Employees need to be adequately training in educational pedagogy and research. All teachers
must be fully credentialed.
What other personality traits, skills, or knowledge are important to be successful here?
Must be willing to work hard, be observant, and willing to adjust and change quickly
What advice do you have about working here?
Be patient with yourselves and others, come prepared because students always know when you
don't know what you are talking about.