It's hard not to notice LaTasha's energy - whether you're standing next to her, or chatting virtually over a Zoom call. She carries that passion with her every day at UPSM, located in Midtown Detroit and serving students from across the Motor City and surrounding communities. Coining the theme "We are the Champs & Servants," Tasha ensures that every one of her students and team members knows that they are in this together, stepping into the ring of life, ready to overcome challenges and give back. Having worked for several years as a teacher in the University Prep system, her mantra is to never forget those roots - and to treat her educators as the professionals they are. That culture of constant improvement drives her teacher team to not only be high-performing, but also to step up for each other. Last year, UPSM's very own 8th grade science teacher, Joel Hockin, was named the 2019 MI Charter School Teacher of the Year, under Tasha's leadership.
We live true to what we say we are. Saying that we have small class sizes, innovative technology, a family atmosphere, etc. is not merely a talking point. We show up every day, ready to deliver on that. None of our kids get left behind - we know each and every one of them. We advocate for them, relentlessly. I couldn’t imagine being an educator in any other space.
Imagine being ripped from your family. That’s what it feels like for my team during this time. We had no idea when we dismissed our students for the first closure period that we wouldn’t see them the rest of the school year, that I wouldn’t be able to promote my eighth graders onto high school. So I told my educators - we have to be ready to fight, no matter how long this lasts. And I saw my staff leap into action, setting up virtual classrooms and making plans. As the days turned to weeks, one of our scholars lost his mother to COVID-19. Making that phone call, and knowing I couldn’t embrace him, was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do. But no matter how, I know it’s our job to be there for them in any way we can.
Twinning one day with a 6th Grade Scholar that wanted to take a picture with me!
TRUE CHAMPIONS-UPSM MIDDLE wins the UPREP Shirt and Kickball contest!
Me taking a photo in front of the newly installed entry way of our school vestibule!
With the Golden Champion Gloves posing with 2 8th graders!
Rolling out the CHAMPIONS IN SERVICE THEME for the 2019-2020 SY to all staff members in August PD.
Leading Our First All-School Crew in 2019-2020 Welcoming ALL CHAMPS to the Year of Service.
Leading my staff in our first day of school CHAMPION SPIRIT TUNNEL to welcome our scholars to the best year of their lives!
My annual MLK 'I Have a Dream' Luncheon enjoying a meal with 2 of my essay winners.
Welcoming the New CEO of the Science Center Next Door and planning our partnership for collaborating during the school year.
Leading our School-Wide Community Crew Assembly with the Message to scholars of PERSEVERANCE.
In my Paris Office, which I call a place of love and logic.
MLK 'I Have a Dream' Assembly where a scholar shared with the entire student body that she wants to be president of the United States.
<< LEFT
Check out this collection of photos, submitted by Tasha, and get a peek into her life as an Admin!
RIGHT >>
Hear from Darcy Renaud (UPSM ELA Teacher), Joel Hockin, (UPSM Science Teacher & 2019 MI Charter Teacher of the Year), Mohamad Naim (UPSM Math Teacher) & Maggie Clover (UPSM Social Studies Teacher) on why Tasha is deserving of this Award!
Michigan's Charter School Association
123 W Allegan, Ste 750
Lansing, MI 48933
Ph: (517) 374-9167