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 2025-26 TLAs

Preschools:

  • Erin Savage (RTI Coordinator for Preschools)

Elementary, Southeast Zone:

  • John Muir: Debbie Rogers (K)
  • Emerson: Morgan Powell (2nd)
  • Sylvia Mendez: Gaddy Barbero Reyes (K-5 Library)
  • Malcolm X: Kathryn Mapps (4th)

Elementary, Central Zone:

  • Washington: Riti Dhesi (5th)
  • Berkeley Arts Magnet: Michele Williams (4th)
  • Oxford: Aaron Grayson (LEARNS Coordinator & STEM Educator)
  • Cragmont: Sheyla Flores (Mod/Severe Inclusion & STEM Educator)

Elementary, Northwest Zone:

  • Rosa Parks: Viridiana Castro Silva (5th)
  • Ruth Acty: Gazel Valdez (Transitional Kinder)
  • Thousand Oaks: Andra Kavuma (PE)

Middle Schools:

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

High School:

  • Berkeley High: Amri Gray (Media Technician & STEM Educator)
  • Berkeley High: Xochitl Dueñas (English, MLP)
  • Berkeley High: Jasdeep Malhi (Intervention Counselor)
  • Berkeley Technology Academy: Caety Klingman (Counselor)