City of San FranciscoCandidate for Board of Education

I came into this work as a 7th grade Life Science teacher at a public middle school in the East Bay. While there, I served as Science Department Chair, leading the school-wide transition towards the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). More recently, I taught 8th grade science in West Oakland. I have worked at both the regional and state levels, participating in the California NGSS Symposium for science teachers and leaders, and was an active member of the NGSS Science Stakeholder’s Meetings sponsored by the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress. In these capacities, I worked alongside organizations such as K-12 Alliance/WestED, California Science Project, California Science Teachers Association (CSTA), Curriculum and Instruction Steering Committee, and the California Department of Education (CDE). While teaching, I led restorative justice circles and discussions, partnered with parents and families, supported the launch of student college savings programs, and served as Instructional Innovation Specialist.

I now serve at the regional and national support level, working with 15 schools across the Bay Area to support blended and personalized learning, new classroom and school models, and working closely with Data, Technology, and Operations to ensure schools have all the supports they need to best serve their students. I am also charged with building out a vision and plan for supporting sciences across the region to more closely align with the NGSS. I work nationally schools and regions, working directly with teachers, deans, assistant principals, and school leaders on science curriculum, teaching, and learning practices.

AS A BROTHER AND SON GROWING UP IN A LOW-INCOME, FIRST-GENERATION AMERICAN FAMILY, I AM ALL TOO FAMILIAR WITH THE CHALLENGES AND STRUGGLES OF ACCESS AND OPPORTUNITY THAT MANY SAN FRANCISCANS FACE.

AS A TEACHER, I LED A DEPARTMENT TRANSITION TO NEW SCIENCE STANDARDS AND BROUGHT INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES INTO MY CLASSROOM, WHILE WORKING ALONGSIDE AN INCREDIBLY TALENTED AND DEDICATED STAFF SERVING OUR MOST VULNERABLE STUDENTS IN THE BAY AREA.

NOW, AS AN EDUCATOR WORKING TO SUPPORT OUR TEACHERS AND SCHOOL LEADERS, I HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A GREATER IMPACT FOR THE STUDENTS AND COMMUNITIES I SERVE.

SAN FRANCISCO IS HOME TO SOME OF THE HIGHEST PERFORMING SCHOOLS IN THE US, WHILE ALSO HAVING SOME OF THE MOST STRUGGLING SCHOOLS IN THE STATE. WE LIVE IN THE MOST INNOVATIVE CITY, BUT CONTINUE TO FACE WIDE ACHIEVEMENT AND OPPORTUNITY GAPS. WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO ENSURE EVERY STUDENT RECEIVES THE HIGHEST QUALITY EDUCATION?

WE CAN, AND MUST, DO BETTER IN PROVIDING A HIGH QUALITY EDUCATION FOR ALL STUDENTS IN SAN FRANCISCO.

As a learning organization, the District’s priorities hinge upon great teaching and inclusive school environments, both of which I have years of experience developing. I’m proud of the work I’ve done around restorative practices, socio-emotional learning, and broadening opportunities in STEM. I’m excited to bring these experiences and knowledge to SFUSD.