Growing up in North Africa, made me realize early on the potential value of education as a map to liberate one’s soul, life after the war was difficult a but happy due to the possibilities at that time. By high school, I came to realize that I could no longer live in a country that was oppressing some its citizens such as people with disabilities; it was with horror that I witness the excruciating condition for young women with cognitive disabilities. Travelling around the globe opened my eyes to the human condition. Once in Cambodia, I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to children and women with disabilities. I had found my road, my passion: create spaces for all to express selves and understand their position in an ever competitive world! I taught in multiple school districts in the US and non-traditional settings abroad supporting my goal to inspire and to allow transformation for all students to learn to create a socially just society that allows all voices to be heard! I started to teach at College level in the hope to pass some of my passion for social justice, equity and access since about 10 years now. I have taught in Chicago at the Art Institute School of Education, National Louis University, City Colleges of Chicago, in Los Angeles at UCLA Teacher education program. In this process, I have discovered that I too keep on learning from my students every single day!
Select Presentations
Hadjas, L. E. (2008, January). Investigating Ways to Enhance Parent Teacher Communication. Opening Minds Conference (AEYC), Chicago, IL.
Hadjas, L. E. (2007, November). Contextual and Emotional Influences on Special Education Children: The Family and the School Environment, Political and Power Struggles. California Educational Research Association (CERA) Conference, Dana Point, CA.
Hadjas, L. E. (2007, April). Labels and its Affective Impact on Families. AERA SIG Special Education (AERA), Chicago, IL.
Hadjas, L. E. (2007, January). He Push Me Classroom Management using Social Justice Strategies in the Early Childhood Classroom. Opening Minds Conference (AEYC), Chicago, IL.
Hadjas, L. E.(2006, April). Parent-Teacher Relationships: Effect and Affect on all Partners. Living Progressive Education Conference, Francis Parker School, Chicago, IL.
Hadjas, L. E. (2003, October). The Journey of a Graduate Student. AESA Conference, Mexico City, Mexico.
Select Publications
Hadjas, L. E. (2011, September). Training Manual for adults with a cognitive disability- Tierra Del Sol.
Hadjas, L.E. (2009, May). A manual comprised of four books each focusing on 12 weeks rotation. Documentary Producer: First year Teachers, A documentary that follows 11 first-year teachers in South Los Angeles, CA.
Hadjas, L.E. (2009, May). Study focuses on early childhood and Special education in the Stanford University Area, using NAEYC guidelines for early childhood and face to face meeting for special education locations. Online: Stanford - CASBS:Finding the Best Possible School and/or Day-Care Setting around the CASBS, Study for Fellows of the Center for Advanced Studies in the Behavioral Science (CASBS) in Stanford, CA. Published on Fellows’ Site at www.casbs.org
Community Involvement
Hadjas, L.E. (2011, February). KAR- NGO presenter for Cambodian Youth at UCLA: Access to College is not a dream in Los Angeles, CA.
Hadjas, L.E. (2009, May). Inspiring Young Minds Career Day at 109th Elementary School LA, Participant in Chicago, IL.
Hadjas, L.E. (2006, May). Matters Series (National Public Radio), Contributor to the monthly school newspapers, focus on special education information for parents and children alike in Chicago, IL.
Hadjas, L.E. (2002, March). Special Education Seminar for Parents, Ray Elementary Public School in Chicago, IL
Hadjas, L.E. (2000, October). Racism Explained Conference, Field Museum in Chicago, IL and the Center for Youth and Society, University of Illinois in Chicago, IL.
Hadjas, L.E. (1998, December). Small School Exposition in Chicago, IL.
Hadjas, L.E. (1998, December). Through the Eyes of a Child, Bilingual Education Seminar in Chicago, IL.
Hadjas, L.E. (1997, January and 1996, October). Books Aloud, University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA.
Hadjas, L.E. (1996, November). Special Education Workshop, Parents Association in Philadelphia, PA.
Hadjas, L.E. (1995, June). French and English Literacy Program for Non-Native Speaker in Los Angeles, CA.
Hadjas, L.E. (1995, June). French Grammar for Non-Native Speakers in Los Angeles, CA.
Hadjas, L.E. (1995, May). Bilingual Education Program, Lycee International de Los Angeles in Los Angeles, CA.
Hadjas, L.E. (1993, July). How to Create Safe Toys with Found Objects, Training in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Professional Memberships
American Educational Research Association
American Federation of Teachers
Southern Poverty Law Institute
Q&A
Q: Please describe your teaching philosophy.
Everyone can learn, everyone can teach me something! Learning happens best when as an educator, I reach each of my students as an individual while supporting them to understand the trappings of a fast moving society.
Q: Please provide a statement or philosophy regarding the practice of education.
I believe each and every individual has the potential to bring something unique and special to the world. I have and I will support all students to develop their potential by believing in them as capable, creative and talented individuals. I support people that express their own opinions and nurture their own ideas. I have a vision of a world where people learn to respect, accept, and embrace the differences between us, as the core of what makes life so fascinating. I incorporate projects, group work, individual work, and hands-on learning in order to make students active learners while making sure to incorporate the new tends in our ever moving society using democratic principles. Teaching is a lifelong learning process of learning about new philosophies and new strategies, learning from the parents and community, learning from colleagues, and especially learning from all students regardless of their abilities
Q: Why did you choose to enter the field of education?
I entered the field of education because I wanted to support the access to learning to all individuals. As stated earlier my path to becoming an educated women has not been a straight road, I wanted to support women like me to see that education is possible at any age and with any type of background. Education is liberating and has an amazing transformative element!
Q: What advice would you give to a students entering Pacific Oaks College?
Enter the learning sphere with joy and whenever any frustration comes up please tell me, tell us so we can support you trough that bump! Have fun while learning but remember to be rigorous with your education! Your education will serve you; in turn you will serve others around you!