Hard Working Teacher and Father
Tatiana Mayo, Reporter
February 27, 2013
Filed under Lion Showcase
Mr. Levenberg is KIPP King’s Geometry teacher who makes sure his students have both a fun time and learn in class. He is also a new father who balances family and work. Last fall, his wife gave birth to their first baby girl named Abby, who was born on October 28, 2012.
Mr. Levenberg is from Chicago, South Suburbs. He had a dog named Shan in High School but he belonged to his mom. Levenberg attended Hebrew Academy for elementary school, Flossmoor Junior high, and Home wood Flossmoor High School. He has lost both of his grandparents: his grandfather died when he was 27 and he lost his grandmother two years ago when she was 100 year old. “It felt good to have her around that long, but it sucks that she never got to meet her granddaughter.”
When Mr. Levenberg talks about his work in technology before becoming a teacher, he says the upside of it was that it was intellectually interesting and challenging. The downside was that not a lot of technology would translate directly into a just world.
“My last work I did was on anti-racist education and leadership development for a grassroots organization and nonprofits. Grassroots organizations are where folks get together to change something. At a lot of organizations I worked with youth from the ages of 16-25, some younger but it was less common. I like being empowering.”
However, Mr. Levenberg says “Teaching in schools was better for me; it felt more natural.” The mission of the school was to inspire students to lead excellent lives – to change their lives and the world around them through acts of excellence, justice, humanity, and courage. “I teach because I see my liberation as a connection to the liberation of the students to be in a position to change the world.”
Mr. Levenberg adds: “I love being a dad, it’s the most important thing in my life. Kvell in Yiddish means to be full of emotion…my daughter makes my life more full. Working here is my third priority after my wife and child. I have less time to get everything done for teaching and sometimes it even means less sleep.”
He enjoys to read about political events. His hobbies are playing with his child, favorite colors are orange and teal, and he has one sister named Heather.
Mr. Levenberg is a true teacher who cares about his students’ education and a dedicated father who does what’s best for not only about himself but others. We are so lucky to have someone so committed to his work.
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