As an equity leader and ethnic studies educator for the past twelve years, K. Kaaekuahiwi has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to ensuring equitable access for Black/African-American, and Latine students in under-resourced BIPOC communities, and urban public schools. His curiosity about transformational and liberatory models of education stem from connections within his work on ethnic studies
Anna began her career in education by teaching in southwest Detroit. From there, she went on to teach in a variety of contexts — from second grade classrooms in Brooklyn to a college campus in New Orleans. In these different settings, she also partnered with teachers as a grade team lead and instructional coach, and
Thomas earned his B.A. in philosophy from Columbia University and went on to teach special education math in Tulsa, Oklahoma as a Teach For America Corps Member. Before joining Partners, Thomas co-founded Summit Tamalpais in Richmond, California, where he served as a history teacher, instructional coach, grade level team lead, and leadership team member. His
Prior to coming to Partners and Philadelphia, Jill spent 17 years teaching and leading in middle and high schools in Boston. Most recently she worked as an academic coach for the UP Education Network, coaching a team of assistant principals in five turnaround middle schools. Before that she was a dean of instruction, a dean
Tierra graduated from Swarthmore College with a major in education and Latin American studies and a minor in Spanish. She began her teaching career in Fort Worth, Texas, where she taught third grade in the dual-language program. Afterwards, she moved back to Philadelphia where she has spent the past five years teaching primarily second and
After graduating Trinity College in 2007, Erin joined Teach for America. Erin's motivation to join Teach for America was driven by the educational disparity pervasive in Los Angeles, where she grew up. Her calling then, and now, is the same — to be an agent of change so that all students receive an empowering, joyous,
After graduating from Bucknell University with a degree in Spanish and international relations, Allie began her teaching career in Baltimore. While teaching high school Spanish, she pursued a master's degree in urban education at Johns Hopkins University. She then transitioned to teaching middle school Spanish at KIPP Ujima Village Academy in Baltimore. It was during
Tricia brings more than 20 years of working in education, deeply rooted in authentic relationships and racial justice principles. Tricia’s own lived experience as a first-generation college graduate, Jamaican immigrant, and a queer woman of color continues to serve as a catalyst for demanding a more just education for underserved communities. Tricia is committed to
Jesse’s education career started in New York City as an early member of the Math For America fellowship program. After earning a bachelor's degree in pure and applied mathematics at Boston University and a master's degree in math education at Teachers College, Jesse taught high school mathematics in New York City for five years. He
Ty’s career in education began in Philadelphia, where he taught special education, science, reading, and math. Building on the success of raising elementary reading levels of children with autism to that of their peers, Ty began working in leadership. He completed leadership training with PhillyPLUS, where he learned to balance adaptive and technical skill sets
