Current Residents

Coliseum College Prep Academy (CCPA)

11th and 12th Grade Government/Economics/English

Hello Everyone! I recently graduated from UC Berkeley with an English Major and an Education Minor. I enjoyed my time there so much that I’m currently pursuing my Master’s in Secondary Education with an English Pathway through UC Berkeley’s Teacher Education Program (BTEP). 

I believe the purpose of education is to guide students toward becoming the best versions of themselves, not only academically, but also by nurturing spaces where minds can grow spiritually, creatively, emotionally, and beyond. I am certain about what I do not want education to be, especially in my own classroom: a place of  “banking” instruction, passive lectures, and an absence of critical thinking. I am constantly attempting to grow as a person, to show up in the classroom as an educator who encourages, creates, and converses with my students. I strive to understand my students of who they are as a person even beyond the classroom. I aim to not only uphold a ‘safe’ space, but a ‘brave’ space for my students. 

With that, a little about me! I love anything that has to do with crafts. Although I don’t dedicate as much time to it as I would like, I love to paint, especially with vibrant colors! I am the type of person who loves last minute plans or spontaneous events!

Oakland High

10th Grade World History 

Program: UC Berkeley Teacher Education Program 

I graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in Comparative Literature and double minored in Korean and Ethnic Studies. I began my journey as an educator at Roosevelt Middle in East Oakland, where I discovered how much joy and hope teaching brought me, and how much I wanted to bring the kids I taught that same joy and hope they gave me. I believe that the purpose of education is to enable students to think critically about the world, about themselves, about their communities, and to encourage them to make choices that better those spheres based on what they learn and know. My purpose as an educator is rooted in an endless belief in the brilliance and capability of our students to succeed, and I want to do everything within my power to get them to that point– to whatever they envision success and happiness to be for them. 

 In my free time, I love to play music, write music, and listen to all different kinds of music. I love to go on long walks, hiking, and being in nature. I also adore cooking and baking for the people I love.

Single Subject - Mathematics

Skyline High School, Oakland

Born and raised in San Jose, California, I am grateful to have received an excellent education from teachers across a wide range of subjects. While it was difficult for me to decide on a field of study, my fascination with the power, beauty, and limitations of mathematical reasoning led me to pursue a major in mathematics and a minor in philosophy from Seattle University. I believe that everyone deserves to experience the challenge and joy of mathematics, framed not as a zero-sum competition but as a communal problem-solving pursuit. With a pedagogy rooted in groupwork and productive struggle, I aim to use mathematics as a vehicle to teach clear communicated reasoning, compassionate collaboration, and persistent problem-solving skills to my students. I wish to be an educator that pushes my students to be the best version of themselves, both as academics who find joy in learning, but even more importantly as conscious members of communities, both local and global. I look forward to building a classroom space that is a warm and welcoming learning environment, reflective of my interests in jazz music and experimental sound art, astronomy, and Liverpool Football Club. Outside of school, I love riding my bike, surfing, snowboarding, making music, and reading by the lake.

Placement: Melrose Leadership Academy, Kindergarten Dual Language 

Educational Background: 

BA in Psychology from Boston University, 2023

Current Program: 

Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential with Bilingual Authorization, Master’s of Arts in Education

Hobbies: 

Being active outside with friends, playing music, reading

I came into teaching to be more involved in community building and honoring the histories and assets of different children and their families. For me, the purpose of education is to give students the tools to move through the world in a way that makes them feel good and that is conscious and mindful of those around them. 

Placement: Think College Now (TCN), RSP for TK-5

I have a BA in English Literature and an MA in Japanese Literature. I’m currently getting a Master’s in Education/Education Specialist degree. 

The purpose of education is to give kids the best chance possible to succeed in life, and I see literacy as the key path forward. I want to do what I can to give the foundational skills of literacy to every student I come in contact with, with nurture and care, because everybody deserves to learn to read. 

I enjoy tennis and being outdoors, and hanging out with my family and friends.

I grew up in Tokyo, and I’m bilingual.

Karuna Kline, Ms. Kline (she/her/hers)

Placement: Joaquin Miller Elementary School, TK-2nd Resource Specialist

Education: BA in Public Policy with a concentration in Sustainable Development and Social Justice (Mills College).

Program: Alder Graduate School of Education - Education Specialist Credential and Master’s of Education with a concentration in Special Education. 

Philospohy: My philosophy of inclusive education is built on the belief that every student deserves a learning environment that is flexible, supportive, and affirming of their unique identities and experiences. Through my studies and practice I am gaining the tools to challenge exclusionary practices, design accessible and meaningful learning experiences, and build a culturally relevant and responsive classroom. As a future teacher, I see my role not only as a provider of knowledge but as a critical advocate for justice. My goal is to create an inclusive classroom where every student, regardless of their race, ability, or background, has the opportunity to succeed. As I continue along this pathway to becoming a transformative teacher, I am committed to internalizing these principles and embedding them into my daily practices. Preparing to be an inclusive educator is not just about acquiring technical skills; it is about embracing a transformative vision for education that centers the humanity of each student.

Hobbies: I love to be out and exploring places and in nature with family and friends. I deeply enjoy learning about and promoting self-care/well-being practices, as well as cooking, gardening, reading, writing, and arts integration/project based learning.

College Coliseum Prep Academy 

10th Grade Ethnic Studies

Bachelor's Degrees: Africana Studies & Psychology 

Current education: Master's In Education (Social Sciences focus.

"In a world filled with hate, we must still dare to hope.

In a world filled with anger, we must still dare to comfort.

In a world filled with despair, we must still dare to dream.

And in a world filled with distrust, we must still dare to believe." — Michael Jackson

Hiya Everybody,

A proud Oakland native, I am a first-generation college graduate, a foster youth, and the youngest of 13 siblings. My journey has been shaped by resilience, community, and the unwavering support of a few key educators who believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself. Now, I’m committed to becoming that same source of support and inspiration for the next generation. Passionate about education, equity, and empowerment, I strive to create spaces where all students feel seen, valued, and capable of achieving their dreams.

Elmhurst United Middle School, 6th Grade RSP

I believe the purpose of education is to cultivate spaces where students feel seen, valued, and groomed into wholeness to become who they were created to be without being stopped by the negativity of their present environment whatever that is, if any. 

I live to be this and more to my students as I transition into the role of a teacher in 2026.

Outside the classroom, I enjoy sewing and cooking.

Jeremy Saunders

Residency Placement: Skyline Highschool, 9-12, History and Social Science, Newcomer Program

Mentor: James Barbuto

Personal Info:

Berkeley High School Graduate ℅ ‘15

University of California, Santa Cruz ℅ ‘20 

BA in Sociology with a minor in Education 

Substitute for 2 years at OUSD

The purpose of education is to liberate the mind and bring people together.

 I enjoy biking/hiking/camping, spending time with friends/family, painting, chilling, and listening to music.

I graduated in Mexico with a bachelor's degree in Educational Psychology. I moved to the Bay Area in 2013. I have a 6-year-old boy that attends an Oakland School. I worked as a Para/BT for 3 years and then enrolled OTR in 2024. I believe that the pursuit of education empowers individuals with knowledge and skills for personal growth and professional success. I developed a profound love for Special Education, and I believe in fully inclusive schools. You might see me sniffing around in special education classes so I can take some ideas into general ed classes. I did not choose Special Education because I believe that I can help our students more in general ed. My dream is that most of our schools in Oakland become fully inclusive, and I want to be prepared and innovate the way we treat and we teach our kids that need help. I am a Teacher Resident at Manzanita SEED Elementary in a Kindergarten classroom. I’m currently getting my teaching credential and Master's in Education at Alder GSE.

Hi all! I am placed in Oakland Tech High School in Geometry and AP Statistics. I studied Bioengineering in my undergrad at UC Berkeley and transitioned to teaching after a couple of years working IT. I believe the purpose of education is to prepare students to be independent individuals who are resilient and capable. Education is the best investment we can make into our community. For fun, I like to run and explore different trails!

Teaching is in my blood line. Both of my paternal grandparents were educators in Vietnam and I’ve always seen teaching as the most noble profession. I am a first generation-born American and single mother of a biracial son. My cultural and personal background inform my teaching practices so that I remain authentic and can bring out the authenticity of my students. My multiple identities are at the center of my learning experience and it is how I make sense of new knowledge. This is what I want my students to feel - the empowerment of bringing their WHOLE selves to the classroom and to celebrate the rich knowledge they already have. Therefore, I believe the purpose of education is to grow the seed of our own authenticity, in order to contribute to the communities around us in a fulfilling way. I am currently a Teacher Resident at Edna Brewer Middle school teaching 6th Grade Math, and enrolled in the UC Berkeley Teacher Education Program for my Masters in Education and teaching credential. 

I am currently participating in a teacher residency  as a resources specialist at Allendale Elementary School. I have a degree in Elementary School Teaching, a degree in Information and Communication Technology, a master of Business Management, and a Ph.D. in Information and Communication on Digital Platforms (Dissertation pending defense).

My first experience teaching was alongside my mother, who taught and provided tutoring for her students. This inspired me to pursue a career in education. My family environment was centered on love, simplicity, sharing, and equality. We have always been committed to serving the community by offering resources not only in education, but also in community building. During break time, I love to drink coffee and talk about education and the world with my colleagues.  I believe that the foundation of effective learning is based on compassion and the cultivation of trust with students and the community.

Placement: Skyline High School - 9th Grade Algebra

Educational Background: 

BS in Data Science - University of Michigan (‘20)

Current Program: 

Alder GSE - Single Subject Math

Hobbies: 

Basketball, Tennis, Going to the movies, Listening to music, Hanging with friends, Cleveland sports teams

I am a proud transfer student from Chabot College and received my B.A from UC Santa Cruz in Spanish Linguistics and Latin American Studies. I am currently enrolled in the Graduate School of Alder to receive my Multi-Subjects Bilingual credential and a Masters in Education. I believe the purpose of education is to plant a seed. We as educators are here to share a snippet of how the world can be seen and the ways they can think critically about it. It is our role to motivate, care, push, and listen. We are the students' biggest advocates and we must be the ones to dismantle as many barriers as possible so that they can focus on learning to succeed. In my free time I love reading fiction books, taking outdoor adventures, gardening, and spending time with loved ones. I am Teacher Resident at Melrose Leadership Academy in a 5th grade bilingual classroom. 

Placement: Lockwood STEAM Academy, Kindergarten Dual Language 

Educational Background: 

BA in Sociology from San José State University, 2023

Current Program: 

Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential with Bilingual Authorization, Master’s of Arts in Education with a concentration in Teaching

Hobbies: 

Walks with my dog, reading, writing, traveling, outings with my family and friends

As an aspiring educator, I want to create a safe and fun learning environment for my students, where they can grow and thrive to be their authentic selves. Growing up in the Bay Area, I see a lot of myself in my students and want them to be able to have the utmost support throughout their educational journey. As a former Early Literacy Tutor and Academic Coach, supporting students in their growth to academic success brings me so much joy and passion, I cannot imagine myself doing anything else. The role and purpose of education in society is to serve as the foundation for knowledge, ideas and growth. Education bridges connection between one another and is a way to guide students throughout the course of their lives.

Placement: Elmhurst United Middle School / 7th grade / Resource Specialist 

Educational Background: B.A in Psychology, Minor in Anthropology - UC Berkeley ‘23 

Current Program: Alder Graduate School of Education/ Resident at Oakland Unified School District- Education Specialist Credential and Master’s of Education with a concentration in Special Education

Hobbies: Walks at the beach, hiking, working out, listening to music, cooking with family, trying new food spots, visiting new cities, journaling, writing, reading, content making for social media, hanging out with loved ones and my four dogs 

Philosophy: Being rooted in my own lived experiences in East Oakland allows me to connect authentically with students, affirm their cultural strengths, and model what it means to lead with integrity- even when that challenges dominant norms of professionalism. I am committed to ongoing self-examination by continuously reflecting on how my intersecting identities, privileges, and biases shape my perspective and relationships with students, families, and colleagues. Rooted in critical and culturally responsive pedagogy,  I will challenge systemic inequities, advocate for inclusive policies, and foster culturally sustaining learning environments. My goal is not only to teach content, but to co-create a classroom where students feel empowered to understand the world—and transform it.

School Placement: Coliseum College Prep Academy (CCPA)

D2 (Grades 8th and 9th)

Current Program: Alder GSE Class of 25/26 - Education Specialist

Why an Ed Specialist? I believe that children with disabilities in fact have special abilities. We just have to teach them how they learn. These super humans have the capacity to achieve anythig. Different doesn't mean dis-able. I want to help them advocate for themselves and help them foster change and acceptance. 

Currently I'm the Director of The Children's Chapel at ReGenesis Christian Center in Oakland. I love all sports, and play Fantasy Football. I love true crime podcasts and documentaries. I'm an audio/visual learner, so I have quite the collection of audiobooks. Anything history? I'm all in! My new passion is learning about different pedagoy styles and reading about Universal Learning Design (UDL). 

Nuntehui Espinoza (she/her/ella)

Placement: Urban Promise Academy (UPA)/6th Grade Math

B.A.: Sociology (UC Merced)

Program: Berkeley Teacher Education Program (BTEP - UC Berkeley)

Hobbies: I love being creative, in many different modalities. I also am a huge K-Pop fan and love going to concerts! 

This will be my 5th official year working in education, 8th if we count working at educational summer programs. Prior to my placement, I worked at 2 different high schools in OUSD under Special Education. I am from Oakland and actually attended UPA in middle school. To me, the purpose of education is to provide students with the educational tools to see and perceive the world in their own ways and to support them in becoming good people. As an educator, my role is to nurture growth and curiosity within my students and approach mistake with empathy and encouragement.

I believe deeply in students' infinite capacity, and in striving to create classrooms with our students that ‘prefigure’ a more just, equitable, and joyful world. I grew up in San Francisco, and taught 2nd grade for three years at East Oakland PRIDE and intervention at Hoover Elementary before deciding to become a Resource Teacher. Outside of school, I love to spend time outside and to be with community. I am currently a Resident Teacher in a TK-5 Resource Program at Bridges Academy at Melrose Program, and am attending Alder GSE for a Bilingual and Mild-Moderate Special Education credential.

Summer Bey | Ms. Summer (She/her)

Placement: Edna Brewer Middle School | 6th Gr | Math

Education: BS Business Management (Hampton Univ) | MS Business Analytics (SMC of CA)

Program: Berkeley Teacher Education Program (BTEP - UC Berkeley)

Hobbies: Attending small intimate concerts, symphony orchestras, and festivals. I love reading afro-futurism books.

As a third-generation OUSD alumnus and a proud parent to fourth-generation OUSD students, I believe the fundamental purpose of education is to invest in our community's future and empower the next generation. It's an honor to return to my hometown to give back to the families and students of Oakland who helped shape me. I am dedicated to supporting every student in becoming a confident and capable learner, particularly in mathematics. By connecting math to their lived experiences, we can help students not only meet and exceed standards but also understand their own power to analyze and shape the world around them. My ultimate goal is to cultivate a classroom where every child feels seen, valued, and empowered to lead.

My philosophy of education is that learning should be fun and exciting; students deserve to learn in a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment while maintaining the standards. I graduated from a University in Nigeria with a bachelor's degree in Social Science Education. I lived in Vienna, Austria, before relocating to New Jersey, and later moved to Oakland in 2010. I'm a proud mom of two amazing boys currently in middle school. I have worked in OUSD for ten years and am so glad I'm fulfilling one of my goals. I'm pursuing a teaching credential and a postgraduate degree in Special Education at Alder Graduate School of Education. I love to cook and watch movies on Netflix. I'm working as a Teacher Resident in 3rd-5th grade Special Education at Joaquin Miller Elementary. 

Oakland Technical High School

10th grade World History.

Program: Oakland Teacher Residency at Alder GSE

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” - Nelson Mandela

Oakland stands as a pivotal site in American History, known for its role in industrial development, labor struggles, and the rise of transformative social movements like the Black Panther Party. I am honored to serve this community and its youth as a History teacher. 

I believe the purpose of education, like Baroque art, is meant to awaken an individual, not just to inform but transform. Education’s purpose is meant to transition us from shadow to light, stirring awe, curiosity, and resilience, so that we see ourselves as active participants in the devine comedy of human history. 

Hobbies: Art history, fine art, reading, calligraphy, writing.