I’m an award-winning educator and thought leader with over a decade of experience dedicated to empowering students and transforming educational spaces. At my core, I am a lifelong educator, having served as a curriculum specialist, designer, instructional leader, and entrepreneur. My strengths lie in designing literacy units infused with culturally responsive pedagogy, building inclusive classroom communities, leading teams in curricular alignment, and crafting innovative programming. Most of my experience is rooted in middle schools, particularly in grades 5–8, as well as in founding educational initiatives.I’m deeply committed to ensuring that every young person who walks through our doors feels a strong sense of belonging and can express their most authentic selves. I’ve seen firsthand how this approach allows students to thrive both academically and personally.Some notable achievements include:- Achieved consistent double-digit growth in reading and math NWEA scores from 2016–2019.- Established a school-wide reading intervention program for grades 7 and 8, utilizing Fountas and Pinnell, RTI, and NWEA data.- Served as middle school team lead and ELA department head, focusing on cultural alignment, literacy, and writing standards across content areas, resulting in the highest growth across disciplines.- Designed a microschool concept centered on the needs of queer youth of color.- Collaborated with 228Accelerator to develop "Banned Books in the Metaverse" and deliver literacy professional development.- Honored with Teach for America’s Frances and Eliot Lehman Award for Excellence in Teaching.- Named a finalist for Illinois Teacher of the Year in 2016, the first for a charter school educator.In May 2024, I successfully defended my doctoral dissertation—a study centered on queer Filipinx youth co-creating learning experiences that embrace imagination as a tool for identity and future-building. The dissertation received double distinction for both excellence in written and presentation.I believe in the limitless potential of all students and am unwavering in my commitment to educational equity and excellence.
Listed skills include Teaching, Curriculum Development, Curriculum Design, Educational Leadership, and 12 others.