About Ms. Long

My name is Kathryn Long, and I've been teaching at Fairburn for 13 years, all in 2nd grade; this is my 24rd year in elementary education. Before I came to Fairburn, I taught 3rd and 4th grades for 10 years at Wadsworth Avenue Elementary in South Los Angeles. Prior to my work in the classroom, I was a museum educator at the Simon Wiesenthal Center's Museum of Tolerance for three years. I have two bachelor's degrees in English Literature and French from UCLA, where I graduated summa cum laude in 1999, as well as a Master's in Education which I received from UCLA in 2003. In June 2023, I received a reading specialist certification through LAUSD's Reading and Literacy Added Authorization Program. I believe in learning for life! 

Fun Facts About Ms. Long:

• I have many personal interests that I enjoy. These include faith, family and friends, cooking, playing the piano, jumping rope, calligraphy, drawing and painting, reading, writing, black-and-white movies, crochet, dancing, and all things peanut butter.

• I studied classical ballet for 13 years, from the time I was six until I was almost nineteen. When I was thirteen, I auditioned for the Joffrey Ballet back in the day when it was based in Los Angeles. Obviously, I didn't make the cut, but it was one of the most memorable and humbling experiences I've ever had.

• In 2020, after a rigorous application process and thanks to the support of Principal Pam Marton and friends and family, I was recognized by LAUSD as Teacher of the Year.

• In 2019, a parent returned from a family trip to Hawaii and presented me with an ukulele. I was determined to learn how to play it. Although I have taken a few lessons (from another LAUSD Teacher of the Year, Bartt Warburton), I am mostly self-taught. Since learning how to play, I have become the proud owner of six ukuleles.

• Fairburn-in-Motion, our school's morning exercise program, brings me so much joy to teach. To date, I have taught over 60 dances to the school community. 

• The sea otter is my spirit animal, and it is Room 17's unofficial classroom mascot.
  
  

• A few of Ms. Long's favorite things: any shade of purple; herbal teas and matcha; Trader Joe's!