Longtime Oak Park teacher encourages students to believe in themselves
By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com

JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers SHOW THEM THE WAY- Oak View High School seniors share a laugh with teacher Randi Liepman recently.

Teacher Randi Liepman has some advice for the 24 seniors graduating from Oak View High School in Oak Park.

"Always believe in yourself and know that you are loved," Liepman said.

For 25 years Liepman has followed that philosophy in her attempt to guide students ahead.

Although she cares deeply about her work, Liepman was afraid of teenagers before joining Oak View. Early in her career Liepman worked as a substitute teacher for the Conejo Valley Unified School District, but only with classes up to the fifth grade. She preferred to avoid teens, their problems and attitudes. Oak View changed her perception.

"Now I can't imagine working with any other age group," said the 51-year-old Liepman, who teaches algebra, world history, American history, government, economics, psychology, parenting and film. "You can really talk to them about their futures. You can reason with them."

With only 51 students, Oak View's small setting allows Liepman to get to know each individual.

"I truly care about them and respect them," Liepman said. "I enjoy being with them, and I try to make class interesting so they can relate to it."

The students appreciate Liepman's dedication.

"She really gets to know you, more than a typical teacher," said Melissa Armstrong, a sophomore.

"She's really nice, nicer than any other teacher," said Giuseppe Corvino, a junior. "If you knew her you'd understand."

A continuation high school, Oak View provides at-risk teens with smaller class sizes and more individual attention than at a comprehensive high school. According to Principal Lou Tabone, kids are identified as at-risk if they are behind in credits, are lacking motivation or study skills and are in danger of not graduating high school.

Oak View recently was recognized as a model continuation school by the state Department of Education.

"Many Oak View students go on to higher education; others enter the working world," Tabone said.

Liepman calls this particular group of seniors the "class of redemption."

"Most of them have had to overcome serious life challenges that most adults have never had to deal with," Liepman said. "They have all shown determination and courage. I am very proud of each of them. I know that they will all be successful in life."

One of Liepman's former students started her own jeans company and one graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, and is now an assistant to a state legislator. Another grad returns to Oak View to visit at least once a year, bringing his children with him.