Teaching & Learning Advisors

In the fall of 2019, the Berkeley Public Schools Fund convened the Teaching & Learning Advisors (TLAs) for the first time.

TLAs are an esteemed and diverse group of educators who gather twice annually to advise the Schools Fund on strategy and the evolution of our programs and services. TLAs help the Schools Fund stay grounded in what’s happening for BUSD students and their families, and respond effectively to the shifting landscape of our public schools.

TLA Goals

Teaching & Learning Advisors contribute to the success of Berkeley Unified School District by:

  • Evaluating and informing current Schools Fund programming
  • Advising on the design of future Schools Fund programming
  • Increasing educator engagement in Schools Fund programs through site-based communications support

How TLAs Are Chosen

TLAs are chosen for a combination of factors, including their knowledge of and direct experience with Schools Fund programs, their capacity for district-wide systems thinking, the diverse perspectives they bring, and the endorsement of their Principal. Our TLA collective includes pre-K-12 “educators” of all stripes, including both certificated and classified staff.

Our 2023-24 TLAs

Preschools:

  • Pam Gelman (Intervention Teacher)

Elementary, Southeast Zone:

  • John Muir: Zoe Williams (Library Media Specialist)
  • Emerson: Morgan Powell (2nd)
  • Sylvia Mendez: Gaddy Barbero Reyes (K-5 Library)
  • Malcolm X: May Lynne Gill (Transitional Kinder)

Elementary, Central Zone:

  • Washington: LaTasha Willis (BEARS Teacher)
  • Berkeley Arts Magnet: Michele Williams (4th Gr)
  • Oxford: Aaron Grayson (LEARNS Coordinator)
  • Cragmont: Meridith Aki (Kinder)

Elementary, Northwest Zone:

  • Rosa Parks: Marvin Reed (5th Gr)
  • Ruth Acty: Gazel Valdez (Transitional Kinder)
  • Thousand Oaks: Tameka Evans (Instr Assistant & Whole School Support)

Middle Schools:

  • King: Shannon Puckett (Humanities)
  • Longfellow: Aaron Lechuga (Restorative Justice Counselor), Geeta Makhija (Math)
  • Willard: Jo Paraiso (English)

High School:

  • Berkeley High: Amri Gray (Media Technician)
  • Berkeley High: Monica Salvador (Special Education Lead)
  • Berkeley High: Jasdeep Malhi (Intervention Counselor)
  • Berkeley Technology Academy: Sophina Jones (Counselor)

Office of Family Engagement & Equity (OFEE):

  • Jocelyn Foreman
  • Nabateh Ahmed