Board Member Focus: Cheryl R. Teamer

“If you want to get something, give it.” 
– Deepak Chopra

How did you become involved with this charter school?
I became involved with Young Audiences Charter School (YACA) through my work on the Board of Directors of Young Audiences of Louisiana.  I was part of the team that worked on the initial concept of a Young Audiences 
Charter School.   
 
Why did you say yes when asked to serve?
I agreed to serve on the YACA board because I truly believe in the core mission of Young Audiences. During my tenure on the Young Audiences board I had the chance to witness the impact of the arts on the lives of young children.  I think that our team is laying a strong foundation for children in this community that will result in a life long appreciation of arts and culture. 
 
A walk through the halls of YACA will leave you smiling and full of hope. The school is amazing and will be life changing for all of us.

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What was compelling about the opportunity?
I was raised to believe that “to whom much is given much is expected.”  Serving on the YACA board allows me to give back to the community.  The board is made up of a talented team of people who are committed to providing a quality education for our kids.  Our job is made easier by the incredible leadership team and faculty at YACA. Each member of our organization has pledged to make YACA a top performing school. I am honored to have the chance to be a part of it.
 
What leadership roles have you had while serving on the board?
I am honored and delighted to serve as the first Chairperson of the YACA board.
 
Is there anything you know now that you wished you had known before?
I am learning something new every day. We are paving a new path at YACA.  Our approach to arts integrated learning is new for many of our students and parents. Together, our board, school leader, faculty and parents are working and teaching each other as we chart a new course at YACA.

“Young Audiences Charter Association has indeed been fortunate to have benefited from Cheryl Teamer's extraordinary leadership as board president during our first year of operation. Her professional, legal and community experience has proved invaluable as we negotiated the challenges of opening West Jefferson's first open admission charter school with an arts infused curriculum.” – Mary Nass, Vice Chair, YACA

“Cheryl is a great board member that asks relevant questions.  Her positive disposition and amiable manner help move discussions forward, as does her approach to issues, which is principled but at the same time pragmatic.” – Ludovico Feoli, Chairman, Greater New Orleans Foundation

About Young Audiences Charter School
As a Type 1 Charter authorized by the Jefferson Parish Public School System, Young Audience Charter School offers an arts-integrated curriculum.  Teachers and administrators work to create and support a culture of high expectations that allows each student to reach their greatest potential; providing a creative, nurturing, and challenging academic environment to encourage students’ individual learning and empower them to take their place in today’s innovative and entrepreneurial economy.

The Top Shelf
The success of a charter school hinges largely on the decisions of its governing board. The Top Shelf enhances the capacity of charter school boards through professional development, board recruitment and community engagement.