Candidate for
Trustee; San Jose Unified School District; Trustee Area 1

Occupation: Educator/Program Coordinator
Age: 46
Education and Qualifications:
I completed all my elementary and secondary education in SJUSD schools. I am a graduate of San Jose High. Our four children, now adults, also attended San Jose Unified Schools. I believe that parent involvement contributes to successful education. I have been involved in parent leadership in all of my children's schools, including committees to hire the principal and teachers. Additionally, I have mentored youth in our local community colleges, service organizations and state colleges.

After years of improvements, SJUSD is poised to reach its potential as an urban school district that prepares its youth to compete in the 21st century, one that not only gives youth a diploma but prepares them for jobs and careers that are competitive in today's economy. The board, however, must have the leadership in place that understands the beauty and complexity of working with diversity, the need to ensure quality education for all and the need to tap into the wealth of knowledge of all stakeholders. I am the candidate for Area #1 that best fits that description.

In my 25 years of professional experience working with the community, I have become a leader on the issues of citizenship, engagement, program implementation, effective policy development and education. I know how to build bridges across multicultural, multilingual, and multi-generational communities to reach consensus and develop common goals. Currently, I run a county program that is nationally recognized for its ability to work with the diversity of Silicon Valley.

I pledge to advocate for a quality education for all, efficiency in the use of public funds, and promoting the development of community in the form of a strong SJUSD identity. We need earlier intervention for struggling students and more challenging opportunities for high-performing students and a continued emphasis on the development of math, technology, language and science skills to ensure success in a global economy.

Join me in ensuring that SJUSD reaches its potential in providing an education that is, a reflection of all that is Silicon Valley: diversity, innovation and community in a global society. I respectfully ask for your vote. http://www.teresa.castellanos.com