Imani Thomas

Born in Los Angeles, to a computer programming father and an English/Art teacher for a mother, Imani spent his childhood attending Waldorf School in Northern California. Returning to Los Angeles he was a scholar-athlete in high school, a member of the Debate Team, Chess Club, Video Production, Associated Student Body, and grew up in the Entertainment Industry. After graduating High School, Imani attended Sacramento State University as a walk-on athlete and participated in Division 1-AA Football. While working as a college intern and his Bachelor of Arts, he ran the campus radio station KSSU 1580am to further his passion for audio engineering/production. As a graduate student, he had the opportunity to serve on behalf of the Sacramento Parks and Recreation for the David Lubin Elementary School, which helped him transition into his teaching credential program back in Los Angeles. Enrolled in a district credential program and teaching an English/Math Intervention Course, Imani was a long term substitute for the William S. Hart School District and a CIF Certificated Varsity Football Coach. To support the local football program he initiated a community based tutoring program called "Feed-An-Athlete" in which AP students from local high schools would tutor student-athletes in academic need. Student tutors received tutoring credits, student participants received intervention credits, and the entire program was "fueled" by local community food donations. Once credentialed, he was hired at Northridge Academy High School, a newly developed High School in need of direction. Spending 6 amazing years of growing various programs, Imani was fortunate to create the first student-led live television broadcast program in the local district. "Puma News" as it was called has been the pinnacle of his achievements. Working in collaboration with various High Schools, California State University Northridge, and Community Members in a project based learning environment enabled students to grow into 21st century digital collaborators and communicators. Continuing his professional growth Imani was selected by the Buck Institute for Project Based Learning to teach and participate in a "Linked-Learning" Pilot School at Belmont High in downtown Los Angeles. After writing and securing the Perkins Grant to increase technology in the classroom the focus has been on developing a project based learning cohort within the Multimedia Academy SLC. Imani has been successfully working with both 12th and 9th grade students implementing collaboration with industry partnerships and various local community members including the LA Chamber of Commerce, LA METRO, and AT&T. In summer of 2012 Imani's son "Irie" was born and Maui became his permanent residence. Growing the Digital Media Program at Lahainaluna High School which has been the most creative challenge filled with Aloha. Self-motivated students continue to practice project based learning with an emphasis on the most valuable asset: "Nurturing Your Creativity."