Hey, My name is Victoria.
My name is Victoria Alicia Leyva. I live in San Diego, California and I am 31 years old. I love to watch films, go to the beach, camp, and get into general shenanigans with friends and family. I am a writer and storyteller who loves to talk to people. I firmly believe that there are no such things as strangers, just friends I haven't met yet.
My aspirations to become a teacher were unexpected but in retrospect, not surprising. After pursuing Journalism since my time in high school, I thought long and hard about what actually brought fulfillment in my life. I reflected on having spent many hours working with students and writers to help them grow in their command of English. Spending time to teach my grandfather how to read at a young age. There are plentiful small examples that I can recount.
I have been a passionate lifelong learner who finds comfort in school and that fuels me to this day. When I am not in a place of learning, I feel drained and as if though I am wasting away. Albeit sounding dramatic, it is true that my constant pursuit of knowledge is something I believe makes me... well, me. Teaching has brought passion to my professional career and continues to fuel me to grow in all areas of my life.
Education
2021 - 2023
High Tech High, Graduate School of Education
Completed year 1 of the HTH San Diego Teacher Residency (SDTR) program. Spent the academic year in an 8th grade general education classroom at High Tech Middle Chula Vista. Completed coursework to receive Master's degree in Education.
2018 - 2020
San Diego State University
Earned a B.A. in Journalism with an emphasis in Media Studies and Minor in Television, Film, and New Media.
Excelled in writing eloquently and quickly while maintaining journalistic integrity. Well versed in media theory and application. Exceptional in media analysis.
2015 - 2018
Southwestern Community College
Earned an A.A. in Journalism. Worked for the Southwestern College Sun Newspaper as Arts section writer. Learned how to write journalistically and edit papers quickly.
Experience
August 2021 - June 2022
High Tech Middle Chula Vista,
Resident Teacher
Based on project-based learning values and practices, successfully planned and completed various projects with students covering subjects such as personal narratives, media literacy, and Model United Nations.
March 2021 - August 2021
Excelsior Academy, Instructional Aide
Provided support for students with mild/moderate developmental disabilities. Tutored students one-on-one. Taught several classes including Journalism, Yearbook, U.S. History, World History, and Film. Participated in IEP meetings.
September 2019 - March 2020
Audeo Charter School
Provided one-on-one tutoring with students in multiple subjects. Assisted in creating Individual Development Plans for students. Completed curriculum audits and organized multi-tiered learning files.
October 2023 - Present
Voz de Victoria, Special Educational Advocacy
Educational Advocate
Worked in conjunction with the National Conflict Resolution Center and UCSD Pediatric Clinic to advocate for underserved students and gain access to their FAPE to help them succeed.
