Briana Ramirez’s classroom at Roosevelt High School High School is where math comes alive. Numbers and equations dance across a whiteboard, while posters filled with math jokes decorate the walls.
But beyond the math, one thing stands out: bright colorful quotes of LGBTQ+ pride are scattered throughout. These expressions are not just decorations – they reveal her passions and commitment to creating a space where all identities are embraced.
At 30, Ramirez believes her unique perspective as a queer educator sets her apart. She approaches teaching in a way that differs from the traditional – being a supportive figure and fostering an environment where students can feel safe to be themselves.
A 2012 alumna of Roosevelt High School, Ramirez grew up in East Los Angeles. She said her own high school experiences have helped shape how she connects with her students.
“When I was studying to become a teacher, it [vulnerability] was something I struggled with. First, they’re going to see right away that I present as a woman, and a person of color,” said Ramirez. “But it was the sexuality part, where I wondered, how open or vulnerable should I be?”
An example of how she approaches the subject is when students in the classroom use the word “gay” in an offensive manner, Ramirez said she immediately addresses it. For her, just changing someone’s perspective or offering a bit of understanding, can go a long way.
“She started the campaign ‘I Pledge’ indicating that RHS is no place for hate,” said Suri Meza, a Boyle Heights Beat youth reporter and a current leadership student of Ramirez’s. “She wants to create a safe place for everyone which she hopes is different from the environment she had while navigating high school herself.”
Ramirez said it’s important to recognize that people are different from one another, but there is never a need to be disrespectful. She asks herself how she and other educators can ensure that the students are kind.
“We’re realizing that we have to be more explicit in what we’re educating them on and a reminder of how we’re not continuing any form of harassment or hate,” said Ramirez.
Ramirez said she hopes to inspire her students to be confident – whether it’s in class or in extracurriculars – and never loses sight of her goal to create a safe school environment.
“She will take time before, after, and at the end of school for her tutoring hours just for us to learn the lessons,” said Fernando Navarro, a math student of Ramirez.
Teaching at Roosevelt for five years now, Ramirez is also the chair of the math department, the advisor of the Associated Student Body leadership group, and the PRIDE club advisor. Outside of school, she serves as a member of the Roosevelt Alumni Foundation, Local School Leadership Council (LSLC), and Culture Team. In all of these roles, she works with school staff to help build the school culture.
“Ms. Ramirez is always helping students grow and learn the values about what it’s like to be a leader,” said Debra Figueroa, a leadership student of Ramirez’s. Other faculty take notice of her championing her students and her identities.
“She’s just Wonder Woman. You can tell she puts her heart and soul into everything she does,” said Myra Miranda, a pre-calculus teacher at Roosevelt. “She cares a lot about her students and makes sure that not only student voices are heard but faculty voices as well.”
Ramirez said her goal is to make an impact on her students, even if it’s just one student at a time.
“Even just putting Pride flags or a splash of color in the room, if that would just help one kid, then I would do that,” Ramirez said.
In 2021, life took an unexpected turn for Ramirez when she was rushed to the hospital. “My body was shutting down,” she recalled. “At one point, my doctors and family didn’t think I was going to make it.”
Ramirez was diagnosed with multiple health issues, which impacted both her physical and cognitive abilities. “I struggled for a period of time with basic math operations and reciting the alphabet,” she said.
After six months of recovery, Ramirez returned to work with a new outlook on life. She has now shifted her teaching style to emphasize health and well-being as well as creating a safe environment for students.
“Think of it as bowling, we’re kids trying to get a strike, and she’s the guard rails, just helping and motivating us,” said Navarro.
Ramirez said she embraces her own mistakes and applies those lessons to the ones she shares with her students.
“One thing I like is that there’s an acronym for math: ‘Mistakes allow thinking to happen,’ and I feel like I really embody that within my teaching style, that it’s okay to make those mistakes,” Ramirez said. “I just hope I can leave my mark here.”
