You can call me SJ

 

As an educator and lifelong student, I have gathered a diverse background of educational and professional experiences. I am bicultural; a native Los Angeleno with roots in Mexico and Guatemala. I have had the opportunity to work in a diversity of environments of both informal and formal education.  I have taught, run programs, directed schools, supervised educators, led professional development, created curriculum and worked with students, at all stages of life, in a variety of socio-economic backgrounds, all over the world including; Los Angeles, DC, rural China, London, Jerusalem & Mexico City. I earned my BA in Educational Understanding of Religion & Government from the American University in Washington DC, my MA in Education and Teaching Credentials in Secondary Education History, Secondary Education Spanish, Elementary School and BCLAD from Pepperdine University and my Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a focus on Teacher Education in Multicultural Societies from USC.  I also have in-depth training in group dynamics in the Tavistock tradition, which I have taught and applied to work with both adults and teens.  In 2005, I received Congressional Recognition (USA) for Excellence in Student Teaching and in 2008, I was awarded National Recognition (UK) at Masuot Awards for most innovative youth work. Most recently I have worked in LAUSD as a Newcomer Instructional Coach, creating professional development for educators and teachers around supporting, teaching and advocating for students that are recent immigrants and advocating for those inspirational students. I believe in student led education, using their own experiences and realities, to create a learning environment in which everyone is valued, knowledge and skills are co-created, and students work towards a more just and equitable future for all.  I live with my amazing partner, Eli, and am proudly raising our three beautiful children in the LA urban jungle.

 

I would love to talk to you about your educational needs.