ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bettye Sweet's background is as colorful as the myriad of characters that she writes about in Growing Up LA Style: Byron, the first of her 5 multi-cultural book series.  She was motivated to write these books based on research that showed that inner-city youth needed reading material that was relevant to them and their life experiences.  At the end of each chapter are thought and discussion-provoking questions that reinforce comprehension and extend the learning experience. The Teacher’s Manual is used as the base for the Success Ed Program. She is also the co-author of Differentiated Strategies for ESL and Learning Disabled Students.

Sweet received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business from the University of Redlands, her Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from the Union Institute. During her studies toward her Masters of Science Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from National University, her research motivated her to collaborate with Dr. Jefferson to create this program.

Sweet began her teaching career at 49th Street Elementary School and after three years, went to Jefferson High School, where she taught English and ESL for five years. When she was off-track, she did long-term substituting with children with behavioral problems and learning disabilities. Through her experience with working with this student population, she learned techniques of teaching that were engaging and meaningful. Students demonstrated higher test scores after being with her for only three weeks. Sweet contends that her use of the three f’’s - (fairness, fun, and firm) is the major source of her success.

During her teaching career she has won numerous awards and honors. In 1991, the Steve Harvey Morning Show at 100.3 FM, The Beat Radio, nominated her as a finalist for the Best High School Teacher in Los Angeles Award. The following year she was nominated for The Walt Disney Teacher Award. In addition, the LA Times have covered her outstanding developmental writing program for inner-city youths. This media coverage highlighted the problems encountered by inner city with the lack of resources to enter their work in the publishing field.

Ms. Sweet has also appeared on CBS Evening News about her Book Writing Club and has been chosen as one of CBS Television’s Hometown Hero. Sweet’s Publishing Company publishes student’s works and uses the proceeds to generate additional money for them to go to college.

Sweet’s entire life took a turn when her only son, Jason, was robbed and murdered at the tender age of eighteen on December 17, 2004. She sought solace through the Parents of Murdered Children. From listening to other suffering parents, Sweet was motivated to put all other projects on the back burner to write Survivor to Thriver– A Mother’s Journey to Peace After her Son’s Murder.