As Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives, Teresa leads a variety of projects that support, inform, and shape Beyond100K’s approach to catalyzing systemic change in STEM education.

Prior to joining the Beyond100K team, Teresa led educator workforce initiatives at the Council of Chief State School Officers, where she supported state education agencies in developing and implementing the systems and structures that most impact students’ equitable access to great teaching. In her role, Teresa managed several state network initiatives to enhance access to high-quality instructional materials, strengthen professional learning and educator preparation opportunities, and recognize and elevate excellent educators. Teresa began her career as a Teach for America corps member in San Antonio, Texas, where she taught 4th grade. Later, she helped launch KIPP Heritage Academy in San Jose, California as the founding 6th grade social studies teacher.

Teresa holds a Master of Education Policy and Management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with minors in Spanish Linguistics and Global Studies from UCLA.

What most inspires you about the Beyond100K network?

Finding solutions to complex systemic challenges alone can feel like trying to fill an ocean-sized bucket one drop at a time. Together, the Beyond100K network creates the collective current needed to move systems and ensure that all kids have access to high-quality STEM teaching and learning. I’m inspired by this network’s expertise and heart that work in tandem to overflow that bucket with innovative, long-lasting, and equitable solutions.