Martha is our exceptional 5th grade Math and Science Teacher at Caliber: Beta Academy. Before joining Caliber, Martha worked at a middle school in Oakland in a variety of roles her 5 year tenure: 6th and 7th grade STEM teacher, Grade-Level Lead, and Math and Science Content Lead. Last year, she stepped out of the classroom to work as the Dean of Students, Culture and Climate. She set a vision for student and staff culture, managed disciplinary issues, and became well versed in Restorative Justice facilitation. She reached out to Ashlee Gutierrez to see how she was doing and looking for a change of scenery. And the rest is history! We are so grateful to have Martha's expertise on our 5th grade team! 

Words about Martha from her team: 

• Martha is a true champion of her students. She expects the most of them and holds them to high standards with the utmost love!  Students talk about math all the time and she fosters these dialogues and self discovery in her teaching and strategies.
• Martha's students love being in her classroom.  They feel completely at home, safe and well taken care of.  It's no wonder they have almost completed their Perfect Attendance contest, she has fostered a strong feeling of community that students love being a part of.​

All about Martha! ​
1. What is your favorite thing about working at Caliber?
My 5th grade team and my homeroom :)  

2. What was your favorite subject growing up?
I actually hated school. Reason number 5,097 why I teach. 

3. What is your favorite memory associated with music?
I have so many! I am fascinated with how musicians can control the mood in a room or crowd. I love live music and am always up for music recommendations. 

4. If you could go on a dream vacation, what would you do + where would you go?
I would totally go to Antarctica or Easter Island, mostly because neither are easy to get to.  

5. What is your favorite thing about the Bay Area?
My favorite thing about the Bay area is the fact that I'm a short drive from mountains, beach, desert... We kind of have it all in terms of location. The Bay Area has changed a lot, I find myself missing the "old bay".  

6. What is one fun fact that most people don't know about you?
I am constantly dreaming of travel and far off places.

Thank you for all you do for our students, Martha!! You rock. 

Brooke hit the ground running in her first year of lead teaching at Caliber: ChangeMakers Academy. She joined the team just a few days before the start of the school year, and we have been so impressed with her ability to implement feedback seamlessly. As a result, she has shown tremendous growth so far this year! Brooke grew up in a small farm town in Pennsylvania where many great teachers inspired her to pursue a career in education. She attended East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania and received a B.S. in Early Childhood Education (preK-4) before moving to the Bay Area. She spent two years working at a preschool in Berkeley before joining Caliber. She made the decision to join the Caliber team because she was excited to become a part of a collaborative team of educators making a difference in the field of education.

Words about Brooke from her team: 

• Brooke cares so much about each child's learning experience. Her pedagogy is purposeful; she is always thinking about how her teaching can best support her students' educational goals!
• Each time I walk in her classroom during student independent work for Math, Writing and even Handwriting at the end of day her students are so calm and purposefully working. The past few weeks, I have been consistently amazed at her way of maintaining high expectations for her students throughout the day and for how aware she is of how her emotional contagion sets the climate for her class! Her kindergarteners feed off of how calm, positive and collected she is when leading her classroom.
• ​Brooke is a wonderful co-worker. She jumped feet first into teaching kindergarten with us just a few days before school started and you would never know. She pushes her students, finds their gap areas and immediately finds ways to help, and has a kind and nurturing demeanor. You are a rock-star, Brooke!
• Brooke is a dedicated, passionate educator who has flourished at CMA!  She made her grand entrance so gracefully for the students who are in her classroom... just a week before school started!  She has a positive energy and a love for teaching that shines through every wall in her classroom!

​

All about Brooke! 
1. What is your favorite thing about working at Caliber?
My favorite thing about working at Caliber is the consistent support from other teachers and leadership. 

2. What was your favorite subject growing up?
Growing up, my favorite subject was reading/language arts.

3. What is your favorite memory associated with music?
I have many favorite memories involving music. It has always been a huge part of my life because I have been dancing since I was three years old. I was also a part of my high school and college marching bands as a member of the color guard.

4. What is your dream vacation + what would you do there? 
My favorite vacations are always going to beautiful beaches and enjoying the sunshine.

5. What is your favorite thing about the Bay Area?
My favorite thing about the Bay Area is it's diversity. Being around such a diverse population of people allows me to be more informed and aware of other people's needs, struggles, achievements, and narratives.

6. What's a fun fact that most people might not know about you?!
A fun fact about me is that I love to bake and I have recently gotten into layering and decorating cakes. 

Brooke, your Kindergarteners are lucky to have you!

 Latasha is "a rock" for students, staff, and families at ChangeMakers Academy. She teaches students with some of the most intensive intervention plans and meets student behavior with calm and grace! Latasha grew up in the neighborhood and was a member of the Vallejo High School graduating class of 2004. She took her own education incredibly seriously, studying at Contra Costa College and UC Berkeley where she studied English and Education. While in school, Latasha worked full-time as an in home tutor for students with special needs in addition to raising her 3 children. Latasha is grateful to have joined the founding team at ChangeMakers Academy last year and believes in every students' unique potential. She is currently studying Applied Behavior Analysis at Touro University. 

Words about Latasha from her team: 

• Latasha is such an asset to our special education program here at ChangeMakers Academy. She is a strong educator and truly believes in the abilities of our students. She has a natural way of building sincere and meaningful relationships with students, as well as with staff members. We are so grateful for the love and dedication that Ms. Latasha gives here at CMA.  
• Latasha is a rock on the UCLA team.  She is dependable and a total team player--always willing to step in to help where needed and the first to provide an encouraging word or show of support.  Latasha is an amazing teacher, guiding students to great growth academically and behaviorally.  The UCLA team wouldn't be the same without her! 

All about Latasha! 
1. What is your favorite thing about working at Caliber?
My favorite thing about working at Caliber are my students. Each student is unique in their own way and I am inspired by their passion for learning.  

2. What was your favorite subject growing up?
My favorite subject growing up was English, it still is. I love writing poetry.  

3. What is your favorite memory associated with music?
My favorite memory associated with music would probably be singing in the church choir as a teenager. I enjoyed solos and going to different churches and conventions with the youth choir.  

4. If you could go on a dream vacation, what would you do + where would you go?
 I would love to go to China to travel and find a place to teach while I'm there! 

5. What is your favorite thing about the Bay Area (or specifically Vallejo!)?
 My favorite thing about Vallejo is the PEOPLE! The love and support I see in the community, especially the community at Caliber is refreshing and warms my heart! 

6. What is one fun fact that most people don't know about you?
I am a contortionist and dance fitness instructor.

Thank you so much, Latasha!! 

Patsy holds it down at the front desk of Caliber: Beta Academy. She was born in Mexicali Baja California, Mexico and moved to San Francisco at the age of 10.  Patsy initially joined the Caliber team as an after-school instructor where she taught Spanish and Arts-and-Crafts to Kinder students that are now in 3rd grade! She transitioned into the front office as an Attendance Clerk in 2015. Patsy's mother tragically passed away from colon cancer not long before she started working at Caliber. She believes that her mother placed Caliber on her path and she is grateful for the Caliber community! Patsy and her husband are proud homeowners in Richmond, CA where they are raising 3 boys. 

Words about Patsy from staff

• Patsy is such an amazing, kind hearted mamma bear! She cares deeply about all the kids at Beta, like they are her own. It's truly a privilege to know such a beautiful person. 
• Patsy is patient and always gets the job done. She is a natural caregiver and advocate for students and families. We are lucky to have her (and her 3 boys) at Caliber!
• Patsy is a great team player who is willing to help when needed.  She has a great relationship with parents as well as students. We love Patsy; she is great!!!

All about Patsy!
1. What is your favorite thing about working at Caliber?
I love interacting with students. My role also gives me an opportunity to build strong relationships with parents.

2. What was your favorite subject growing up?
My favorite subject in college was Biology.

3. What is your favorite memory associated with music (maybe a memorable concert, or playing an instrument yourself!)?
My favorite memory associated with music came from watching my oldest son Isaiah Meighan perform at UCBerkeley Ailey Camp Cal Performaces. Watching him perform made me feel so proud of him. It was an amazing performance; I loved it so much!!!

4. If you could go on a dream vacation, what would you do + where would you go?
My dream vacation would be a trip to the town of Bethlehem, Jesus birthplace.

5. What is your favorite thing about the Bay Area?
After living in the city for 15 years, I've found so many things to love. I enjoy the beautiful street art, free attractions and the delicious food! Living in the bay is a unique experience, but the love I have for my city of San Francisco grows each day. What can I say? I'm just a city girl. Let's go NINERS!

6. What is one fun fact that most people don't know about you?  
I love spontaneous adventures! 

Thank you, Patsy!