Landy Solorzano, a Charlotte Teacher Early College senior, is building her dream career. She completed her high school requirements, earned enough college credits to be hired as a teacher assistant in August 2021 and will graduate from CMS in May. 

Landy, 18, works with students from kindergarten to fifth grade in the media center at Hickory Grove Elementary. “I got a call for Hickory Grove, and they were very happy with how far I am and what I have done so far,” Landy said. 

 As a teacher assistant, Landy oversees her class, helps students learn letters and numbers, and reinforces basic skills. “It’s overwhelming sometimes,” Landy said. “It’s very important to recognize you need to have patience and kindness to be able to build connections with those students.”. 

 Landy moved to Charlotte from California when she was 4 and is following in the footsteps of her parents, who are both CMS teachers. “My mom started teaching at CMS when I was 5; from then I was her student,” said Landy. “My dad is a math teacher for a middle school.”

Landy is of Mexican and Guatemalan descent, which has been helpful in her career. "I think more that 45% of our school is Hispanic,” Landy said. “I am one of the few Hispanic people in that school, and I think it helps so much. I help translate between other teachers and parents, and I have students who are new to this country.” 

Landy’s colleagues see her potential, which is why earlier this month, she was voted Hickory Grove's Teacher Assistant of the Year. “My hope is to teach in a high school, build up within CMS and eventually become a principal,” Landy said.

Landy's story can also be seen at 

https://youtu.be/FZ1AQnXyf4c (English)

https://youtu.be/yeaO5VjB1Bo (Spanish)