About Ms. Gillespie  

Hi everyone! My name is Morgan Gillespie and I graduated from Loyola Marymount University with my BA in Sociology and minor in Education in May of 2022. I graduated with my MA in Elementary Education with a focus in Policy and Administration which was completed in May of 2023. My freshman year of college I had the great opportunity to work in LMU's daycare center where I was working with children between the ages of 3 and 5. Through this I learned to do essential tasks from changing a diaper to learning about teacher to student ratios within the classroom. I have also interned at Neighborhood House Association's Headstart program at the age of 16-19, where I was able to work with students of all ages and backgrounds. I knew at a young age that I wanted to be an educator so working at NHA made me want to pursue my passion even further. I am a proud member of the historically black sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated on LMU's campus. I chose this sorority because I have always held the organization in high regard, and received love and support all of my life from AKA women. I was also apart of TLC (The Learning Community) my freshman year where I was taught to connect and lead with black students who have similar goals and aspirations as me. I also have a love for travel and have been blessed to be able to go to many places inside and outside of the U.S. I hope to continue to travel in my life and career.

Call to Education 

From Preschool to my senior year at Canyon Crest High School, I had only been instructed by one teacher of color. Mr. Steve Riviere, from Jamaica. He was my 4th grade teacher who was caring, nurturing, witty, and made learning fun for me. I also loved how he included culture into his teachings, which is a huge part of why he is such a memorable educator for me. Mr. Riviere made a difference in my life and is a family friend to this day. My desire is to have the same impact on children and people as he did for me. 

The Learning Community (TLC)

AKA 

Alpha Kappa Alpha is a historically black sorority that promotes and encourages "high scholastic and ethical standards." I am a proud member of LMU's Tau Kappa chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. I was brought into Alpha Kappa Alpha in 2019's fall semester, and have learned to grow and truly find myself in many ways. This process has also assured me that I want to be an educator through collaborating with schools and service, and has highlighted the importance of culture.

Travel