I am a veteran, multilingual educator who has worked in k-12 public schools, public charters, and both, the non-profit and business sector. I am fluent in Czech and read, write and speak Spanish and Russian. In my current position, I teach English Language Development and English Language Arts as well as directly support English Language Learners (ELL) by differentiating content, providing small group instruction, and collaborating with classroom teachers on enhancing their ability to effectively advance ELs' skills. I am a Fulbrighter in the Teachers for Global Education program focused on the development of global competence skills. I am also a member of the English Learner Advisory Group with the Oregon Department of Education, and in that role participated in the creation of the Oregon Multilingual Learner Strategic Plan. Currently I am also the President of the Board of Czech School of Portland. I have extensive experience in educational leadership, including Climate and Equity Team member and Instructional Team Lead. I have designed and offered professional development for educators, and developed a community education program focusing on movement building, social justice, and anti-racism. I have taught all ages, largely focusing on secondary level students and adult learners. I have designed and taught a college Reading and Writing course for first-generation college students in the TRiO Program at Evergreen State College. I am passionate about conducting and sharing research that supports human rights initiatives and grassroots advocacy, especially in the field of public education. My goal is to find opportunities to apply my interest in research as a tool for change in k-12 and higher education. I am also interested in offering independent workshops for teachers or coming on board as faculty in a pre-service education program. I always appreciate connecting with likeminded educators and visionaries who center social justice, culturally responsive practices, and achievement of underserved populations in their practice.