Nancy Alvarez, M.Ed.

It was eleven years ago that Nancy Alvarez, was first introduced to the world of Bilingual Education at Moffett Elementary School in Lennox, California, as a student under UCLA's Teacher Education Program (TEP). She was perplexed yet captivated by the notion of learning in the language of home, Spanish. She began her work with the Los Angeles Unified School District 11 years ago, as a 4th grade bilingual teacher at Hoover Elementary School where she became even more immersed in the instructional practice of using what the students come to the classroom with; a language, an identity, a "fund of knowledge," as Luis Moll termed it. Hungry to learn more about becoming an instructional leader for our English Learners, she attended UCLA's Principal Leadership Institute 

Óscar Castrellón

Óscar wanted to teach art but found his calling teaching elementary when he was a teacher assistant in a bilingual class nearly sixteen years ago. As a second language learner, he understands the hurdles ELL students must tackle in school.  For this reason he provides his students learning opportunities that are engaging, memorable and enriching.  Through the use of art, technology and project-based learning he is able to motivate his students.  Óscar joined the TIIP Grant team in order to pursue professional development in the area of project-base learning and to better incorporate technology in the classroom.  He participated in a CUE workshop, as well as, UCLA Lab School's Critical Thinking Institute for project-base learning and a Project GLAD training which focused on strategies for English Learners.

Carrie Colgan

Carrie has been an LAUSD teacher for 12 years. Her desire for continued professional growth and development originally brought her to Vista Del Valle and the vision that it possessed.  The schools' vision was hearty and focused on four instructional approaches, Dual Language, PBL, Technology-Infused and the Problem Solving Process, all of which she knew very little about. Carrie decided to get involved in the TIIP Grant hoping that the funds would assist her with instructional practices, and that it did. She attended the Critical Thinking Institute at the UCLA Lab School, which focused on PBL, the Project GLAD training which focused on strategies for English Learners, and attended a CUE workshop. These PD's have helped her tremendously when focusing on the schools single plan for student achievement. Her classroom has incorporated PBL through technology and the GLAD strategies have made teaching and learning more enjoyable for all.

Ann Prystupa

Ann was once an English Language Learner herself, years ago when she attended LAUSD as a child. Little did she know then, that she would become a teacher and walk some of the same campuses in a different capacity. Throughout her teaching experiences during these 14 years, she has felt the need to continue her learning and growth in how to better service the students that she works with. This need has driven her to earn her Master's degree in Education from Antioch University with an emphasis in Leadership and Change and use that opportunity to explore the issues surrounding English Language Learners. She was also moved to seek out a position at Vista del Valle Dual Language Academy who as a new school had written progressive teaching strategies into the school plan. Teaching at this new school then presented another opportunity to join the TIIP team to pursue professional development in these progressive teaching strategies. Being on the TIIP team has been an invaluable experience for her in understanding the opportunities available for making teaching and learning a richer experience.