Meet Norma Tateosian (she/her, left)  ELA Intervention Coordinator, and Dharini Dharmadasa (she/her, right), Math Intervention Coordinator, at Sunrise Elementary. We connected to speak about their work helping students build skills, close learning gaps, and get the support they need to thrive.

For Tateosian, a 26-year educator at Sunrise, education wasn’t the original plan. “I originally wanted to become a school psychologist,” she recalled. But after a year of teaching on an emergency credential, she found her true calling. The joy of watching students grow—academically, socially, and emotionally—and witnessing those “aha” moments kept her in the classroom.

Dharmadasa, now in her 10th year at Sunrise, began her career in psychology and foster care while also working in after-school programs. “I hesitated about going into education for a long time,” she admitted. Ultimately, her passion for education and student support led her to change career paths.

Seeking to expand their impact, both became interventionists. Tateosian highlights how early reading intervention helps students succeed. “Reading proficiency is a key factor in overall academic achievement, as it impacts success in all subject areas, not just language arts,” she explained. 

Dharmadasa echoes this in math, adding that early support strengthens number sense and problem-solving skills, preventing gaps from widening. “The earlier the intervention, the more opportunity students have to process and understand content later,” she noted.

Both take a strategic and supportive approach to intervention, building confidence and skills in struggling learners.

Tateosian’s interventions provide a supportive environment where students feel confident taking risks and engaging with the material. Using the Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) curriculum and the “I do, we do, you do” model, she promotes independence and a growth mindset. One of the best feelings for her is seeing former intervention students “reading at grade level and, in some cases, surpassing classmates.”

Dharmadasa takes a similar approach in math, prioritizing confidence, emotional safety, and skill development. “Every child should know they are capable of doing difficult things,” she said. To support this, she gradually increases content difficulty so students experience early successes that build confidence and sustain engagement. Regular assessments help track progress and celebrate growth, especially when once-disengaged learners become active participants.

With teachers, Tateosian and Dharmadasa offer hands-on support through collaboration and coaching. Tateosian provides a judgment-free space for co-planning, modeling lessons, and shifting the cognitive load to students. Dharmadasa celebrates teachers’ efforts with personal messages and team shoutouts, ensuring they feel valued.

Their experiences shape how they connect with the school community. Growing up with immigrant parents, Tateosian and Dharmadasa understand the value of education and strong support systems. Years of working in Boyle Heights have given them insight into families’ challenges, allowing them to offer patience and understanding. When both interventionists were full-time classroom teachers, their dedication and expertise led relatives and friends of former students to request placement in their class. Today, former students also bring their own children to Sunrise. Through school events and daily interactions, they check in, celebrate growth, and build lasting trust.