Irene Peña
Los Angeles,USA
Summary
Bilingual educator and program manager with extensive experience in Los Angeles urban schools, specializing in dual language immersion and equity-driven instruction. Completed Project GLAD training and effectively implemented guided language acquisition strategies in elementary settings. Skilled in grant writing and fostering collaboration to drive initiatives that enhance educational equity and expand learning opportunities for diverse student populations.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Teacher, Dual Language Immersion, 6th grade
Alhambra Unified School District
Alhambra, CA
08.2025 - 06.2026
- Developed and delivered engaging lessons in diverse subjects using a 50/50 Dual Language Immersion model in Spanish and English.
- Implemented Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to foster a supportive classroom environment.
- Used various assessment tools to evaluate student progress and understanding.
- Integrated technology into lessons to support interactive learning experiences.
- Collaborated with colleagues to plan cohesive units integrating various subject areas.
Teacher, K-8
Camino Nuevo Charter Academy
Los Angeles, CA
08.2021 - 01.2025
- Developed and implemented data-driven instruction with an equity lens to address diverse learning needs.
- Planned strategic interventions and differentiation within an inclusion classroom.
- Served as Professional Learning Community (PLC) Leader to refine teaching strategies.
- Mentored new teachers through the Avance Los Angeles Teacher residency initiative.
- Represented the school on the Ethnic Studies Taskforce, focusing on decolonial education and curriculum development.
- Implemented an after-school Expanded Learning Opportunity Program (ELOP) in gardening and healthy cooking.
- Secured $21,000 in funding for educational initiatives and field trips related to the school garden.
Teacher, 2nd grade
Los Angeles Unified School District
Los Angeles, CA
04.2019 - 06.2021
- Developed and implemented lesson plans aligned with curriculum objectives.
- Applied classroom management techniques to create a positive learning environment.
- Collaborated with colleagues to enhance curriculum and instructional strategies.
Executive Director/Project Manager
Proyecto Jardin
Los Angeles, CA
07.2017 - 07.2021
- Directed educational programs in sustainable practices as principal consultant for the Smart Gardening Program.
- Cultivated partnerships with schools to promote community-building education initiatives.
- Managed PJLA Community Compost Hub to support local sustainability efforts.
- Developed curriculum for Compost Academy certification program.
- Recruited and mentored participants, enhancing leadership in urban agriculture.
Foodscape Designer & Urban Farmer
Sacred Earth Farms
Los Angeles, CA
01.2017 - 08.2019
- Founded Sacred Earth Farms as a principal consultant, leading community-based urban agriculture projects.
- Designed and installed organic edible gardens in diverse environments to educate on food systems.
Director of Community Organizing
El Centro del Pueblo, Save the Playground Campaign
Los Angeles, CA
12.2018 - 04.2019
- Executed community education strategies to enhance understanding of land use planning.
- Provided technical assistance for community organizing to prevent displacement.
Strategic Partnerships & Development Coordinator
Semillas Sociedad Civil
Los Angeles, CA
08.2017 - 12.2017
- Contributed to developing organization-wide partnership strategy to improve learning outcomes.
- Implemented strategies to strengthen communications and engagement with collaborative partners.
Executive Director
Proyecto Jardin
Los Angeles, CA
02.2011 - 12.2016
- Co-founded a non-profit organization focused on food justice and health disparities in Boyle Heights.
- Managed grant writing, volunteer recruitment, staff supervision, and program evaluation.
CORICA Project Coordinator
UCLA School of Public Health, Division of Cancer Prevention & Control Research
Los Angeles, CA
01.2006 - 01.2008
- Established research partnerships with community organizations and university researchers.
- Conducted studies on community health needs and prepared reports for funding agencies.
Bilingual Teacher
Los Angeles Unified School District
Los Angeles (Boyle Heights, Pico Union, Echo Park)
01.1993 - 01.2002
- Developed instructional units and lesson plans for bilingual classrooms.
- Coordinated collaboration between LAUSD and community organizations for school beautification projects.
Education
M.A. - Urban Planning, Emphasis: Community Economic Development & the Built Environment
University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA06.2004
Professional Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential - Bilingual, Cross-cultural, Language & Academic Development in Spanish
California Lutheran University
Thousand Oaks, CA06.1991
B.A. - Developmental Psychology
University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA06.1983
Skills
- Dual Language Immersion
- Data-driven planning and instruction
- Cross-sector partnership development
- Mentor Teacher
- Guided Language Acquisition Design
- Ethnic Studies curriculum development
- Grant writing and management
Affiliations
Project GLAD Certification, Guided Language Acquisition Design, 2025
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Accomplishments
Good Food Champion Awardee, 2014
Los Angeles City Council District 14, Jose Huizar
Los Angeles City Council District 14, Jose Huizar
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Teacher, Dual Language Immersion, 6th grade
Alhambra Unified School District
08.2025 - 06.2026
Teacher, K-8
Camino Nuevo Charter Academy
08.2021 - 01.2025
Teacher, 2nd grade
Los Angeles Unified School District
04.2019 - 06.2021
Director of Community Organizing
El Centro del Pueblo, Save the Playground Campaign
12.2018 - 04.2019
Strategic Partnerships & Development Coordinator
Semillas Sociedad Civil
08.2017 - 12.2017
Executive Director/Project Manager
Proyecto Jardin
07.2017 - 07.2021
Foodscape Designer & Urban Farmer
Sacred Earth Farms
01.2017 - 08.2019
Executive Director
Proyecto Jardin
02.2011 - 12.2016
CORICA Project Coordinator
UCLA School of Public Health, Division of Cancer Prevention & Control Research
01.2006 - 01.2008
Bilingual Teacher
Los Angeles Unified School District
01.1993 - 01.2002
M.A. - Urban Planning, Emphasis: Community Economic Development & the Built Environment
University of California, Los Angeles
Professional Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential - Bilingual, Cross-cultural, Language & Academic Development in Spanish
California Lutheran University
B.A. - Developmental Psychology
University of California, Santa Barbara