Isabel Leyva
South Gate
Summary
Experienced educator with 14 years of experience in elementary and middle school education, culturally responsive teaching, and student mentorship. Skilled in history instruction, Folklorico dance, youth leadership, and English-Spanish translation.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Folklorico Dance Program Director
Various Schools
Multiple Locations
01.2014 - Current
- Founded and led “El Son de Mi Tierra” Folklorico groups at multiple schools creating culturally enriching performances that promoted student confidence, teamwork, leadership, and appreciation for Latin heritage.
- Barak Obama Charter School (2025)
- Our Lady of Victory Catholic School (2023)
- St. Bernard Catholic School (2019)
- St. Philip Neri Catholic School (2018)
- St. Albert the Great School (2016)
- Directed performances and expanded cultural curriculum
Middle School History Teacher (6th–8th Grade)
St. Albert the Great School
Rancho Dominguez, CA
01.2023 - 06.2025
- Taught Ancient World History, World History, and U.S. History
- Planned and taught 6th, 7th, 8th grade social science lessons aligned with California History standards
- Designed standards-based lessons and supported diverse learners
- Managed classroom behavior, daily routines, assessments, grading, lesson planning, and student progress monitoring
Translator (English–Spanish)
Revive El Monte
El Monte, CA
01.2022 - Current
- Provide live translation during events and services
- Support communication within diverse communities
Substitute Teacher
Los Angeles Area
Los Angeles, CA
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Provided instruction across middle and high school classrooms
- Adapted quickly to multiple subjects and engaged students
1st Grade Teacher
St. Albert the Great School
Rancho Dominguez, CA
01.2014 - 06.2021
- 2014-2020 Facilitated 1st grade instruction for seven years, fostering foundational academic skills in young learners.
- Designed and delivered engaging daily lessons for 1st grade across multiple subjects, ensuring alignment with California standards.
- Facilitated foundational reading and literacy skill development for students.
- 2020-2021 Served as a Literature and Religion Teacher for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders.
3rd Grade Teacher
KIPP Compton Community School
Compton, CA
01.2021 - 01.2022
- planned and taught daily 3rd grade lessons in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies aligned to California Common Core Standards.
- created structured and positive classroom environment that supported student learning, behavioral expectations, and social emotional growth.
- Differentiated instruction to support diverse learners , including English language learners and students needing academic intervention.
- Used small group instruction, guided practice, and data-driven teaching strategies to improve student achievement.
Program Director
MTRC (Making The Right Connection)
Compton, CA
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Supervised 9 teachers and 175 students
- Managed staff, field trips, and program operations
2nd Grade Teacher
Optimal Christian Academy
Compton, CA
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Planned and taught daily 2nd grade lessons in multiple subjects aligned with California standards.
- Created a safe, structured, and nurturing classroom environment that supported academic growth and positive behavior.
Education
Master’s Degree - Multicultural Education
California State University, Dominguez Hills
Carsonville, MI12.2014
B.A. - Liberal Studies
California State University, Dominguez Hills
Carson, CA05.2012
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential -
California Commission On Teacher Credentialing
08.2025
Skills
- Leadership: Middle School Lead Teacher experience
- Curriculum Development: K–8 lesson planning and instruction
- Program Management: Large-scale program coordination
- Bilingual: Fluent in English and Spanish
- Cultural Education: Multicultural and arts-based instruction
Certification
- CBEST (Passed)
- RICA (Passed)
- TESOL Certification
Accomplishments
- 1st Place — Compton Christmas Parade (2023)
- 2nd Place — Lynwood Parade (2023)
- 3rd Place — Lynwood Candy Cane Lane Parade (2022)
- 3rd Place -Lynwood Candy Cane Lane Parade (2025)
- Expanded dance program to include Colombian and Salvadoran folklore
Timeline
Middle School History Teacher (6th–8th Grade)
St. Albert the Great School
01.2023 - 06.2025
Translator (English–Spanish)
Revive El Monte
01.2022 - Current
Substitute Teacher
Los Angeles Area
01.2022 - 01.2023
3rd Grade Teacher
KIPP Compton Community School
01.2021 - 01.2022
Program Director
MTRC (Making The Right Connection)
01.2017 - 01.2020
Folklorico Dance Program Director
Various Schools
01.2014 - Current
1st Grade Teacher
St. Albert the Great School
01.2014 - 06.2021
2nd Grade Teacher
Optimal Christian Academy
01.2012 - 01.2014
Master’s Degree - Multicultural Education
California State University, Dominguez Hills
B.A. - Liberal Studies
California State University, Dominguez Hills
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential -
California Commission On Teacher Credentialing