Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1487796
Y O U ' R E A J E R K is the song students asso- ciate with Austin LeMay, a teacher at Tenaya Middle School in Fresno. But don't be fooled; LeMay is beloved by students for his sense of fun and the hip hop dance moves that he per- forms to this song by New Boyz. LeMay, a Fresno Teachers Association member, went viral on TikTok for dancing in the schoolyard, receiving more than 10 million hits since 2021. Snoop Dog even shared the video on his Instagram and LeMay was fea- tured on Ellen. The fame is nice, says LeMay, but he's more excited about helping to change the school's culture so students enjoy coming to school. And he's doing just that. He transferred to Tenaya, a diverse, Title 1 school, in 2018 from Bullard High School in Fresno at the urging of the former Tenaya principal, who asked him to serve as "cam- pus culture director " and activities director. LeMay jokingly calls himself the "Czar of Fun" for the spirit, energy and enthusiasm he brings to campus. He organized Friday dance parties at noon, and students loved it. They were amazed when LeMay strutted his own cool dance steps with kicks, jumps and arms flailing. One of the staff members filmed the performance, posted it on TikTok and LeMay became an overnight sensation. He teaches leadership classes and serves as a liaison between school staff and Associated Student Body leaders. He also organizes pep rallies, school dances and multicultural events. He encourages student leaders to advocate for things that matter to them, like the dress code. He helped create a Culture Team of staff and students to come up with "actionable steps" to make Tenaya a happier place. He is striving to make all students feel that they matter and belong at Tenaya. "When I think of Mr. LeMay, three words/ phrases come to my mind: the jerk, campus culture, and fun," says student Elizabeth Akina. "He hosts lunchtime rallies weekly, where students can get their faces painted in Tenaya colors, play games, and dance to the music playing. Mr. LeMay has been a beam of light in our school." " Tenaya needed a jolt of energy and some positivity," says LeMay. "And that's happen- ing. Instead of students transferring to other schools, which used to be the case, students now transfer here from zip codes throughout Fresno. The word is out: Students are having positive experiences." When LeMay attended Tenaya Middle School back in 2003, he did not have positive experiences. He was bullied and often lonely. Most people wouldn't voluntarily return to a place that holds painful memories. But LeMay says what he went through inspired him to work hard, so that things are better for today 's Tenaya students. He was instrumental in helping to create the WEB program (Where Everyone Belongs), which encourages eighth graders to make LeMay and Tenaya Middle School students. "We are working to make sure students feel heard, seen and taken care of. We are trying to make it a great place where everyone feels connected." AUSTIN LEMAY Fresno Teachers Association 30 cta.org Changing school culture one (dance) step at a time The Innovation Issue