Lisa Baggio's Portfolio Homepage
Educational and Personal Background:
Creative, Innovative and warm-hearted are three words that describe me both as a person and an educator. My lifelong dream has been to work with students of all ages and somehow change their lives. It was this attitude that led me to pursue a career in urban education.
I grew up in a privilege household on the east coast, and it was not until about 5 years old I experienced inequities and racism at my school site. My brother and I befriended the only African American student at our school. As a direct result we were ostracized by our peers and their families. I lost all my friends and my brother was constantly bullied. It was from that experience I realized that racism existed. I think something changed in me that year. I knew that it was not right and something had to be done to change the status quo.
Furthermore, I experience inequities as a student. In first grade I was ambidextrous and had a speech problem. I was constantly being sent out for extra assistance in both areas. I felt judged by my peers as well as the teachers. I noticed that I was never able to be the helper or asked to do problems on the board even though I was constantly raising my hand. These experiences led me to have a deeper understanding of what students who need extra services, like I did go through. From my past I knew that I wanted to be an educator that transformed these inequities for students.
In my mission to change school systems,I attended Chapman University for my undergraduate career where I got a BFA in Screenwriting and wrote an award winning screenplay. From there I went on to write and direct children’s play in Los Angeles. Writing and teaching are my two passions in life and I try to combine these passions whenever possible. Upon graduation, I went to UC Irvine for my Multiple Subject teaching credential and Masters in Education and my life changed forever.
Professional Experiences:
I have been teaching for the past seven in half years and have enjoyed every moment of it. I have had the privilege of teaching in urban areas in San Diego, New York City and now Los Angeles. These experiences have shaped the educator I have become. Working in Urban areas made me realize the inequity students’ face and I have made it my goal to help close this gap.
During my career I have created curriculum, spear-headed a series of parent workshops, gained leadership experience through providing professional development as well as becoming a testing coordinator for multiple schools. I feel these opportunities led me to develop a passion and drive for leadership.
Whenever possible, I try to expand my horizons and love a great challenge. During the summer of 2012, I applied and was accepted in to the National Writing Project. I went through a summer intensive on writing instruction as well as the skills needed to give a powerful presentation on the transition to common core standards. I now provide professional development to other teachers/schools.
Future Goals:
In my future I would like to transition to first being an academic coach for my peers. I enjoy working with my colleagues to help create engaging lessons that will develop life-long learners. I am a true-believer in the idea that collaboration is the key to success. Once I have grown and learned the essential qualities of what it takes to be an amazing instructional leader, I would like to become an elementary school assistant principal or principal in an urban area. I feel as a leader, I will be able to help support more students in reaching their full emotional and learning potential. I hope to foster positive relationships that lead to college or career readiness for all my students. In addition, I would like to eventually obtain my PHD and continue my path as a life-long learner.
School Context:
William Green Elementary School is located in Lawndale California. It is a public school that serves 795 students in grades K-5. We are a Title I Academic Achievement Award School. The vision and mission of the William Green Elementary School is to provide a learning environment where all students will be given many opportunities to maximize their potential. To put this mission into an operational framework, we have established the motto "Eagles, SOAR, high." The letters in the word soar are the areas of focus based on our beliefs. At William Green Elementary students Stay Safe, Own their Actions, Act with kindness, so we are ready to learn.
Our school mission statement is William Green Elementary is a community of life-long learners. Together we are safe, kind, and responsible.
Our Demographics:
