Dang Nguyen ’07 Uses PLACE Corps Training
to Teach Under-Resourced Students
in the Los Angeles Archdiocese

When Dang Nguyen ’07 was in the AmeriCorps program in Detroit he said he realized the education system needed a change. Nguyen worked as a residential counselor with five at-risk teenage boys who he felt lacked motivation to succeed in school. He saw that the boys’ academic development was being stifled because they were being stereotyped by teachers or picked on by students because of their backgrounds. The experience made him determined to empower the boys to overcome their obstacles and to make changes for future generations.

Nguyen decided teaching was the best way to accomplish his goal and enrolled in the Partners in Los Angeles Catholic Education (PLACE) Corps program at Loyola Marymount University. Participants of the PLACE Corps earn both a teaching credential and a master’s degree while working as a full-time teacher in an underserved Catholic school. The two-year program also includes community living, retreats, masses and guidance from mentors and academic advisors.

“PLACE Corps was a life-changing experience,” Nguyen said. “It’s the best way to learn about teaching while you teach, with a supportive network of people behind you.”

Participants receive health benefits through the Archdiocese, a modest salary and housing, enabling most to graduate debt-free. Nguyen said the idea of receiving a teaching credential and a master’s degree at no cost was his initial attraction to the program, but the deciding factor was that LMU’s program included a faith component.

“In addition to academics, we teach the students about character and morals,” Nguyen said. “I learned to teach to the whole child, not just his or her mind.”

The program has achieved tremendous success since its inception in 2001. More than 100 graduates teach in more than 30 under-resourced schools in the Los Angeles Archdiocese, which serves more than 7,000 students. This year, the PLACE Corps received applications from students from 49 universities and 25 states. There are plans to expand the geographical area served to include the San Fernando Valley and Hawaii.

“PLACE Corps is committed to the mission of Catholic education and to creating leaders with that mission embedded in their hearts,” said Diana Murphy, director of the PLACE Corps. “Our number one goal is to help our students succeed.”

Nguyen completed the program in June and plans to continue teaching science at Precious Blood School in downtown Los Angeles. Also, he has applied to the “professional clear” credential program at LMU.

“I hope my approach to Catholic education will help my students succeed and better their situation and that of others,” Nguyen said.