Dr. Peter Watts
Watts of Power Foundation
Los Angeles, CA
Dr. Peter Watts, Jr. was born and raised in South Los Angeles, and is currently the CEO and Co-Founder of the Watts of Power Foundation. His educational career began more than 20 years ago in the Los Angeles Unified School District at Compton Ave. Elementary School. He then taught for seven years at ICEF Public Schools, where he also was the founding principal of Thurgood Marshall Middle School, a blended learning and project-based focus school. Peter ended his career at ICEF as the Director of Blended Learning, where he developed a comprehensive and innovative approach to education.
He is a graduate of Cal State Dominguez Hills, where he received his B.A. in Mass Communications. He received his Master's of Education in Administration and Leadership degree from the University of Phoenix. He also holds a Master’s and Doctorate in Theology from Fuller Seminary. Dr. Watts serves on the advisory board for Teach For America, Los Angeles.
Overview
Watts of Power Foundation’s mission is to create a pipeline of Black male teachers by providing them with wraparound support during the credentialing process, including affordable housing, to ensure that they become fully credentialed teachers who persist in the field. We focus on housing because the affordability crisis is particularly acute for educators in California. Teacher Village's innovative approach offers subsidized housing and vital financial literacy training, creating a community where teachers can not only afford homes, but also thrive.
Teacher Village acknowledges the pressing issue of educator affordability in California, especially for aspiring Black male teachers, and strives to be a beacon for change. Through the construction of a 4,493 square foot residence, we plan to house five Black male Teacher Village Fellows, alleviating the substantial challenges they encounter, including the high cost of living and isolation, as they embark on their teaching careers.
