Biography
Elizabeth Haela
I am Elizabeth Haela, an experienced educator passionate about community development and enhancing student outcomes. With nearly a decade of experience in high-needs urban schools, I have developed expertise in designing and modifying instruction across subjects for middle and high school students. As a member of the Mayor of New York City’s Fair Student Funding Task Force, I analyzed data sets that projected the outcomes of various funding models and advocated for the data set that would provide the most equitable outcomes to New York City Public School students. I am also a member of Educators for Excellence and Narrative 4 and have collaborated with them on projects designed to further equity and bridge communities within public education.
As a New York City Teaching Fellows Program graduate, I have honed my skills and developed my expertise in education. I attained my master’s degree in Special Education at Hunter College and have continued to learn and grow through various professional development opportunities. I have enrolled in After School Professional Development Program credits that have improved my knowledge of servicing students who have experienced adverse childhood experiences or ACES, are multi-lingual learners, and need help with self-regulation strategies. Additionally, I provide all students with social-emotional learning opportunities in the classroom. I am also a member of the Academy for Teachers, which provides mentorship, community opportunities, and workshops to inspire me to further my practice.
In my time, I enjoy traveling and exercising. During my undergraduate studies, I focused on Human Rights within the Americas and spent over six months in neighboring countries in the region. I am also fluent in Spanish, which has allowed me to connect with students and families from diverse linguistic backgrounds.