Student Bios
Danforth 17, 2004-05
Jesely Alvarez
Certification :
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
Internship Sites:
College Place Middle School
Edmonds School District
Secondary bilingual orientation center
Seattle School District
Academic Background:
University of Washington, B.A., Multicultural Education
Antioch University Seattle, K-8 Certification
Antioch University Seattle, M.Ed.
Professional Experience:
Prior to earning my teacher certification, I was an ESL instructor, Spanish instructor, and curriculum coordinator for the American Cultural Exchange. I was a teaching fellow for the Multicultural Alliance and a fellow for Americorps . I was awarded a Fulbright Teacher Exchange in Chiapas, Mexico, was a presenter at the 6th Annual Washington State Association for Multicultural Education, and a representative at the WEA Representative Assembly . Currently, I am a Spanish teacher at College Place Middle School in the Edmonds School District. I am the world language department co-chair and serve as our buildings Spanish translator/interpreter.
Professional Goal:
To obtain a leadership role as an assistant principal/principal in an urban school who will work towards narrowing the achievement gap, promoting an equitable education for all, and empowering communities to enrich their public schools.
Scott Beebe
Certification:
Initial Program Administrator
Internship Sites:
Woodin Elementary School
Northshore School District
Academic Background:
University of Puget Sound, BS
University of Puget Sound, MA, Teaching
Professional Experience:
Taught 6th grade in the Kent School District and worked as an Instructional Technology Consultant on the Writing Across the Curriculum Grant at Puget Sound ESD. Also developed online learning communities while at PSESD specializing in online training and just in time learning through use of streaming web video and interactive web interface. I currently manage the instructional technology and library programs for Northshore School District including School Improvement and Technology planning integration, professional development, web services and a host of other integrally to marginally related programs and tasks.
Professional Goal:
My goal is to advocate for good instructional strategies, materials, and methods to meet the needs of millennial kids.
Katy Boness
Certification:
Initial Principal
Internship Site:
International School
Bellevue School District
Academic Background:
Hamline University, BA English
Seattle University, M.Ed.
Professional Experience:
I have over 16 years of English teaching and leadership experience at the high school level. During this time I have taught all levels of grades 9-12 including Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and humanities for Mateo Ricci College at Seattle University.
Toby Brenner
Certification:
Initial Program Administrator
Internship Site:
Carl Sandburg Elementary School
Lake Washington School District
Academic Background:
University of California, Santa Cruz, BA Psychology
John F. Kennedy University, California Teaching Credential
Lesley University, M.Ed Curriculum/Educational Technology
Professional Experience:
I began work with children as a therapist in 1991, and soon realized I could have a greater impact through education. I taught EFL overseas for two years before teaching 5th and 6th grade in Hayward, California. I relocated to the Seattle area in 1996, joining the Lake Washington School District teaching 6 th grade at John Muir Elementary in Kirkland. Since 2001 I have worked at the district level in the LWSD Instructional Technology Department as a Technology Staff Developer and a Instructional Technology Projects Specialist.
Professional Goal:
My professional goal is to continue working with educational technology in a district leadership role. In this capacity I plan to promote student success and teaching excellence through the integration of technology in instruction.
John Bryz-Gornia
Certification:
Initial Principal
Internship Sites:
Ridgetop Jr High School
Central Kitsap School District
Academic Background:
St. Joseph’s University, BA History/minor in Philosophy
Washington State University M. Ed. & Teacher Certification
Professional Experience:
I did my student teaching at Stewart Middle School in Tacoma. I have been teaching at Ridgetop Junior High School ( Central Kitsap School District) in Silverdale, WA for seven years; three years as a special education teacher and four years as a humanities inclusion block teacher. I spent eight summers as the Temporary Audio-Visual Specialist for the South Kitsap School District. While at Ridgetop, I was School-Within-A-School (SWAS) 8 th grade leader, spent two years on the Shared Decision Making Team, maintained the School Writing and Technology grant, led Ridgetop’s WASL Reading Research team, coached four years of girls’ junior varsity basketball and three years of junior varsity football. I participated in the Bill & Melinda Gates foundation Teacher Leadership Project (TLP) and completed Intel Teach to the Future program. I won a Paul K. Linder Foundation Staff Academic Excellence Grant and have been selected for inclusion in the eighth edition of Who’s Who Among America ’s Teachers 2004.
Professional Goal:
I strive to be the building administrator or assistant principal promoting a collaborative, positive culture among all teachers and classified staff members so that students feel safe, learn, and achieve. I envision my staff honestly confronting assessment data and collaboratively implementing curriculum to improve student learning and student achievement.
Henterson Carlisle
Certification:
Initial Program Administrator
M.Ed.
Internship Sites:
Madrona K-8
Seattle School District
Regina Carr
Certification:
Initial Principal
Internship Site:
Bryant Elementary
Seattle School District
Academic Background:
University of San Francisco, B.A., English
National University San Jose, California, M.S., Instructional Leadership and Curriculum Instruction
CLAD Certificate: Crosscultural, Language and Academic Development National University , San Jose , California
Professional Experience:
I began my career as an educator at Sanger High School in California teaching 9 th-10 th grade literature for two years. I have spent the remainder of my 12 years teaching Language Arts, Social Studies, and Reading at the middle school level in California and have been at Denny Middle School in Seattle for the past three years. During this time, my focus has been on literacy, student achievement, and at-risk students. I have been a department chair, a team leader, and an activities coordinator. I have also been involved with a variety of enrichment programs for students including tutoring, chess, and Drama.
Professional Goal:
As a school administrator I want to provide an equal, accessible, and excellent education for all students in a caring and supportive environment. To provide students with an education that will enable them in the make informed choices about their lives. I believe that it is essential to involve the entire community in this effort: students, parents, teachers, administrators, educational leaders and the communities in which they live, work, and contribute.
Becky Clifford
Certification:
Initial Program Administrator
Internship Sites:
Greenwood Elementary Seattle School District
Academic Background:
Mohawk Valley Community College, A.S. Human Service
Buffalo State College, B.S. in Elementary and Special Education
Utica College of Syracuse University, M.S. Leadership and Instruction in Inclusive Classrooms
Professional Experience:
This is my fourth year teaching in Special Education. I taught for one year in a middle school; 8-1-1 self-contained class for students with emotional behavioral disabilities. Then, for the past three years I have worked as an elementary resource teacher (K-6) with an emphasis on Math and English Language Arts. Currently, I provide services using a combination of an inclusive, team teaching approach and a pull out individualized approach. I also am very involved at both the district and school wide levels. For example I worked on the Committee for Preschool Special Education, was a member of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Committee , and a part of Curriculum mapping. For the last 3 years, I have coached both girls and boys junior high soccer and volleyball.
Professional Goal:
I want to be effective in supporting and creating an environment where all children are accepted and empowered to work to their fullest potential. My passion is to find the missing piece, which turns students on to the love of learning. I enjoy working together with colleagues striving to reach professional objectives. Collaborating is both rewarding and powerfully effective in achieving positive outcomes. My goal is to move into a leadership role to promote positive, successful, and long term change.
Carol Diaz
Certification:
Initial Principal
Internship Sites:
New School K-8
Seattle School District
Academic Background:
University of Washington, B.A. in Anthropology
University of Washington, M.I.T.
Professional Experience:
I have taught K, 1st and 2nd grades in the Seattle School District. In addition, I have started a Primary Spanish Program at The New School at Southshore and will serve as their Spanish teacher for the 2004-2005 school year. I have been involved in various committees at The New School including: Building Renovation Committee, Interview and Budget (BLT) Teams. I am also the SEA building representative. I will continue to be an intern at The New School with Gary Tubbs.
Professional Goal:
My goal is to obtain an administrative position in a Seattle School District Elementary School. I hope to be an advocate for our fast growing Latino community of Seattle and enhance the quality of education for all students I encounter. I feel passionate about working with a dedicated and supportive team who believes that the success of all children can be achieved through hard work and commitment.
Patricia Erdmann
Certification:
Initial Principal
Internship Sites:
Suquamish Elementary School
North Kitsap School District
Academic Background:
Vanderbilt University, B.A., Art History
Webster College, M.A.T., Social Studies
Professional Experience:
I have taught in grades 4-6 for 18 years, working in Tennessee, Missouri, Illinois, Utah and Washington. For the past eight years I have taught fifth grade at The Island School, a small independent school on Bainbridge Island.
Professional Goal:
I want to become an assistant principal and/or principal in an elementary or middle school. I want to lead a school to success by fostering a child-centered approach, maximizing learning opportunities and building strong bonds between home and school.
Bob Hodges
Certification:
Initial Principal
M.Ed.
Internship Sites:
Discover Elementary School
Issaquah School District
Academic Background:
University of Washington, BA English
Professional Experience:
I have spent three years in the Tahoma School District and thirteen years in the Issaquah School District as an elementary teacher. During this time I have been a second, third, and fifth grade classroom teacher, and I have also served as a PE specialist, SAGE (gifted) teacher, technology specialist, and program assistant (assistant to the principal). In past years I have served on the executive board of the Issaquah Education Association and have participated on two contract bargaining teams. Prior to becoming a teacher I worked as a political consultant, staff director, and lobbyist.
Professional Goal:
My professional goal is to lead a happy, healthy elementary school toward higher achievement and greater personal fulfillment. I want to lead a school where both students and staff look forward to coming to work everyday and continuously look for opportunities to improve themselves and their environment.
Condee Holbrook
Certification:
Initial Principal
Internship Sites:
Puyallup Jr. High
Puyallup School District
Academic Background:
Western Washington University, B.A. Secondary Education, endorsements in English and Communications
University of Washington, M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction, emphasis in Multicultural Education
Professional Experience:
I taught English and coached speech and debate at Puyallup High School for three years. Then, I helped open Emerald Ridge High School in Puyallup in 2001 where I taught English and American Studies and served as the Multicultural Club advisor for three years.
Professional Goal:
My goal is to work as an educational leader at the school, district or state level to promote social justice and equality for all students. I am passionate about the implementation of multicultural education to serve the needs of an ever-increasingly diverse population of students.
Robin Imai
Certification:
Initial Principal
Internship Site:
Tops K-8
Seattle School District
Academic Background:
University of Washington, BA Psychology
Professional Experience:
I have taught 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade students in the Federal Way School District for five years. I have been on the site leadership team, run a building intervention team, and served as principal designee.
Professional Goal:
My goal is to become a leader in a community that encourages both students and educators to strive for academic excellence.
Rebekah Kim
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
M.Ed.
Internship Sites:
Aki Kurose Middle School Seattle School District
John Stanford International
Seattle School District
Tukwila Central Office
Tukwila School District
Academic Background:
University of Washington, BA
University of Washington, Teaching Certification
Professional Experience:
I have taught 2nd and 3rd grade for the last four years in the Tukwila School District. I have been able to gain leadership skills as the principal designee, building partnerships with Starbucks and REI to create and promote literacy events for our school community and participating on the Building Leadership Team I was also an internal facilitator for our Math cadre and served as a building representative for the district’s curriculum council. Outside of the schools, I was the children’s director for Quest Ministries (multi-cultural church community).
Professional Goal:
I am eager to bring my background experiences and leadership skills into a school community as an elementary principal. I am a passionate believer in appreciating and understanding diversity. I would like my own sensitivity and desires for an understanding community to be an asset to the learning community I will be working with. I am confident that this kind of understanding will be a progressive way to help with the achievement gap.
Laura Klein
Certification:
Initial Principal
M.Ed.
Internship Sites:
Challenger Elementary School
Mukilteo School District
Academic Background:
Minnesota State University, Moorhead, BS in Special Education
Professional Experience:
6 th grade Special Education Resource Teacher for students with mild to moderate learning disabilities; Teacher for Self-Contained Seriously Emotionally Disturbed special education program; Special Education Department Chair, 3 years; District-Wide Professional Development Design Team to facilitate quality, useful professional development opportunities for our 900 certified and over 1,000 classified staff in the district, and; Colony Middle School Quality Schools Team that designed and implemented school-wide goals and vision, as well as advisory, intervention and enrichment programs.
Professional Goal:
As a principal, effectively lead a staff of dynamic, dedicated teachers to design programs and instruction that best meets the needs of all students in a public school setting. It is important to take into consideration the unique social, cultural, and academic climate of the community in order to collectively develop a vision and goals for students, staff, and community members who are all an integral part of any child’s education.
Betsy McGregor
Certification:
Initial Principal
Internship Sites:
Meadowdale Elementary School
Edmonds School District
Academic Background:
Pepperdine University, BA Communications
University of Southern California, MS Education
Professional Experience:
I have taught for 15 years in public schools. I began my career in South Central Los Angeles in 1990. In 1992 I moved to Seattle and now teach in the Edmonds School District. Within the Edmonds School District I have taught at three schools. I have taught all grades first through eighth with a minimum of three years experience in each, (most classes being multi-age). Currently, I teach fourth grade at Hilltop Elementary in Lynnwood. I am a literacy leader in my district and have been actively involved in planning and presenting in-service training for elementary and middle school Language Arts, and I have played an active role in aligning the Washington State ELR’s with the Edmonds School District Language Arts Frameworks. At the building level I participate on the Leadership Committee, the Language Arts Committee and the Character Education Committee.
Professional Goal:
I want to be a school administrator that has a positive influence on the educational lives of children, with a special emphasis on high needs students. I have worked in inner-city education for the majority of my career and have a particular interest in increasing the efficacy of public education for children of poverty.
Pete Misner
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
Internship Sites:
Kokanee Elementary
Northshore School District
Academic Background:
Western Washington University, B.A. History
BA History City University, Masters in Teaching
Professional Experience:
I began my career as a 7/8th grade Language Arts and US History teacher in the Lake Washington School District. Additionally, I served on the school’s Technology and Writing committees. Currently, I work for the Northshore School District as an Instructional Technology Coordinator. My current work activities include: School Improvement Planning, Professional Development, Teacher Coaching, best practice research, supporting various district programs, purchasing guidance, resource building, etc.
Professional Goal:
I desire to return to a school in a leadership position, so I am able to dedicate myself to one community of students, staff and parents, to support instruction and learning opportunities for all kids based upon best practice.
Marsha Moore
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
Internship Site:
Woodmore Elementary School
Northshore School District
Academic Background:
University of Washington, B.A.
University of Washington, M.I.T.
Professional Experience:
I have worked in the Northshore School District since 1999. I am currently teaching a first/second grade, multi-age classroom at Woodmoor Elementary in the P.A.C.E. (parents active in cooperative education) program. I have been on the Elementary Reporting Practices committee for two years working in a collaborative setting to develop a standards-based report card as well as working with teams of teachers, administrators and facilitators to align current curriculum with the state standards.
Professional Goal:
Schools are a community of learners. In addition to students and the school staff, the community of learners includes the adult caregivers of the students we teach. Without fully engaging, supporting, and inviting all participants into the community, the education we provide students is compromised. As a principal it will be my goal to provide support, resources, and encouragement for all students and members of their life so all may engage fully and successfully in the education process.
James Peterson
Certification:
Initial Program Administrator
Initial Principal
M.Ed.
Internship Sites:
Madison Middle School
Seattle School District
Academic Background:
University of Washington, B.A. History
Western Washington University, K-8 Certification
Professional Experience:
Middle School Teacher and Team Leader at Madrona K-8 in the Seattle School District.
Professional Goal:
A position as a school leader in a Seattle Public School where my skills, experience, and training can help every student succeed.
Andrea Pfeifer
Certification:
Initial Principal
Internship Sites:
Bellevue
Bellevue School District
Academic Background:
Texas Tech University, BA
University of Central Oklahoma, M. S.
Professional Experience:
I have had experience in the classroom as a history teacher grades 6-12, as the administrator of an Alternative Education Program, as a Coordinator in Special Education at the State Department level, and as an ESL teacher grades 6-8.
Ann Reed
Certification:
Initial Program Administrator
M.Ed.
Internship Sites:
Rose Hill Elementary School
Lake Washington School District
Academic Background:
University of Puget Sound, BA
Portland State University, MS
Professional Experience:
Cape Flattery SD, Neah Bay Elementary, 4 years, grades 4-6; Lyle SD
Dallesport Elementary, 3 years, grades 4-6; Klickitat SD, Klickitat School, 20 years, grades 2-12
Media Specialist, Technology Director,
Mentor Teacher, Lake Washington SD , Resource Center , 1 year, Instructional Technology Coordinator.
Professional Goal:
Instructional Technology Director or Coordinator position in an organization where I can affect change: large district, ESD, or OSPI.
Liz Ritz
Certification:
Initial Principal
Internship Sites:
Ardmore Elementary School
Bellevue School District
Academic Background:
University of Oregon, B.S., Psychology and Special Education
University of Washington, M.I.T.
Professional Experience:
I have taught in both the Kent School District and Bellevue School District in grades 1-4. During this time, I served as a math assessment leader, a member of the Educating a Community of Math Learners grant, and in various other educational committees.
Professional Goal:
My goal is to continuously strive to be an effective leader who inspires a school community to aim for a shared vision of high standards and success for all students.
Ruth Schmidt
Certification:
Initial Principal
Internship Sites:
Sonoji Sakai Intermediate School
Bainbridge Island School District
Academic Background:
Lesley University, M.E., Curriculum and Instruction and Technology in Education
Moravian College, B.S., General Science/Elementary Education
Previous Experience:
During the last five years, I have taught 5 th grade at Sakai intermediate School, Bainbridge Island , specializing in social studies and science. I previously taught at Woodward Middle School , teaching 6th grade science and advanced math. Originally from Bethlehem , Pennsylvania , I have a 17-year teaching background plus two years' experience in school administration. I hold a B.S. in Science Education from Moravian College , Pennsylvania , and have a Master's Degree in Educational Technology from Lesley University , Cambridge , Massachusetts . Presently, I serve as the Technology Coordinator at Sakai and the advisor of Sakai Broadcasting , our student-produced television news show.
Professional Goal:
To obtain a principal or assistant principal position, leading with integrity and emphasizing an equitable and quality education for all students.
Peter Schurke
Certification:
Initial Principal
Internship Sites:
Ballard High School
Seattle School District
Academic Background:
Washington, BS Biochemistry
Washington, MS Medicinal Chemistry
Professional Experience:
Taught Chemistry (including Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate levels), Earth Science and Biotechnology at Ingraham High School in Seattle. Served as faculty advisor for the National Honor Society chapter. Served as Class of 2004 Faculty Advisor.
Professional Goal:
Become the highest possible quality administrator at the High School level. My eventual goal is to become a High School Principal, but I value short-term goals along the way so that I’ll know I’m still on the path.
Bethany Spinler
Certification:
Initial Principal
Internship Sites:
Pacific Science Center
Seattle
Franklin High School
Seattle School District
Academic Background:
Cornell University, B.S., Biological Sciences
Cornell University, M.A., Science Education
Professional Experience:
I taught AP Chemistry at a large, comprehensive high school in Jamestown NY for three years prior to coming to Seattle. I relocated to Seattle in order to be a part of opening The Center School. Now entering its fourth year, TCS is home to a rich array of arts offerings, community partnerships, performance-based graduation assessments, and in-depth professional development. Currently, I instruct students in the study of chemistry and advanced biology and work as the lead teacher in developing and implementing the graduation assessments. I also serve as the educational technologist, science literacy representative, and am part of the budget and transformation teams.
Professional Goal:
I firmly believe in excellent and equitable education for all children – education that allows all students access to college, education that is empowering to students and teachers, education that is compassionate, and education that eliminates the achievement gap. In order for these to happen, most schools need to change to meet the diverse needs of their student populations. As a principal or program coordinator, I want to be part of leading this change and of fostering life-long learning for my students and colleagues.
Amy Vujovich
Certification:
Initial Program Administrator
Internship Sites:
Special Education
Shoreline School District
Academic Background:
Colorado College, B.A., Psychology
University of Washington, M.Ed. and Teaching Certification
Professional Experience:
I taught for 3 years in a self-contained sp ed classroom for students with emotionally/behaviorally disabilities and for 4 years in an elementary resource room in the Shoreline School District. I worked for 4 years as the sp ed Teacher Specialist in the Shoreline School District. My current position is the Director of Special Education in the Shoreline School District.
Professional Goal:
My professional goal is to work as an educational leader who creates learning environments that allow students to work to their highest potential. I’m excited about the challenges inherent in the field of education and look forward to working with teams to develop systems that allow diverse populations to succeed.
Catherine Wellington
Certification:
Initial Principal
M.Ed.
Internship Sites:
Interlake High School
Bellevue School District
Academic Background:
Whitworth College B.A., English and Education
City University M.A., Education
Professional Experience:
For three years I taught AP Language and Honors Sophomores at Bellevue High school. I have been heavily involved with curriculum development through participation with the vertical team 1-12 th grades and various grade specific committees. I taught at the Pacific Northwest AP Institute for two years and was a lesson study leader for two years. Prior to coming to Bellevue, I was the English department chairperson and taught English at Issaquah High School for five years. I also taught at R. A. Long High School in Longview, WA for four years and Bangkok, Thailand for one year.
Professional Goal:
My goal is to work as a building administrator in secondary education. I want to educate all students to achieve their highest potential through effective leadership.
If you would like to make any changes to your biography, please email us at k12admin@u.washington.edu