Position: Academic Intervention Specialist at Invictus Academy and Behavior Support Specialist at Caliber Beta Academy, both in Richmond, CA.
What led you to your current position?
I have always wanted to teach, since the 2nd grade, when I had the most amazing and vivacious teacher ever and wanted to be just like her! I have always loved teaching students and working with under-served students with different needs. I was a mental health counselor for two years, then a teacher for five years at James Baldwin Academy. After working in that concentrated world for 7 years, I realized that I wanted to branch out and grow my collaboration and leadership skills; I wanted to broaden the impact that I felt I could make, so I came to All-In!
Fun Fact/Quote?
Fun fact: I lived in Madrid for a year!
Quote: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”. – Nelson Mandela
What does your average day look like?
The way my day looks depends on which site I am at. At Caliber (where I am a Behavior Support Specialist), I collaborate with the program specialist, education specialist and general education teacher of my student, I then am supporting said student throughout the day in all of their classes, providing behavioral support and interventions, tracking behaviors, incentives, etc., as well as providing academic support in the classroom. I also facilitate weekly meetings with all service providers of all students in the collaboration model at Caliber, I also attend the leadership team meetings.
At Invictus (where I am an Academic Intervention Specialist), I begin the day collaborating and checking in with general education teachers, I then provide push in and pull out academic services to all the students on my caseload (15), I also complete IEP paperwork, facilitate IEP meetings, assess students, collaborate and communicate with caregivers and families, attend leadership meetings and hold meetings with general education teachers to support differentiation and accommodations within the general education classroom.
Why do you do this work?
I do this work because I love teaching and I believe that every student, regardless of ability, background, or privilege deserves to feel empowered and each student also deserves access to an equitable education.
What hope do you have for the future of our program?
My hope for the All-In program is that it continues to expand and build partnerships for an even larger impact!