Hello! My name is Anna Kaenjak, and I am a second-grade teacher at High Tech Elementary Explorer. Born and raised in the Bay Area, I am a proud Thai American and second-generation immigrant whose experiences have shaped both my identity and my approach to education. 

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Education Studies and Master of Education with a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from the University of California, San Diego. Throughout my preparation as an educator, I have worked in a variety of educational settings, including inclusive preschool programs, multilingual classrooms, and elementary schools serving diverse communities across San Diego. 

As a multilingual learner myself, creating learning environments where students feel seen, valued, and empowered is important to me. My experiences have strengthened my commitment to equitable, inclusive, and student-centered learning that recognizes the unique strengths and identities each child brings to the classroom. 

My teaching philosophy is grounded in a holistic approach driven by social-emotional learning. I believe learning is most powerful when we engage both the heart and the mind. For this reason, I prioritize social-emotional learning alongside rigorous academics, creating classroom communities where students feel a strong sense of belonging, are encouraged to take risks, and develop confidence in their abilities.

I also believe that strong family and community partnerships are essential to student success. Families are children's first teachers, and meaningful collaboration between home and school creates a foundation for learning and growth. I strive to build authentic relationships with students, families, colleagues, and community members while honoring the cultural knowledge, languages, and experiences that students bring to the classroom. 

I view my role not simply as an educator, but as a collaborator in learning. Through student-centered learning experiences that nurture curiosity, inquiry, and reflection, I aim to help students develop the confidence, agency, and compassion needed to contribute meaningfully to their communities. 

This portfolio highlights my growth as an educator through lesson design, reflections on practice, and examples of student-centered learning. I invite you to explore the various sections to learn more about my teaching philosophy, instructional approaches, and commitment to supporting all learners.