Juel A. Copeland
Escondido
Summary
Equity‑centered educational leader with 3+ years as Upper Grade Dean of Instruction (Grades 4–8) at Elevate School and 17 years as an award‑winning classroom teacher. Demonstrated success raising student outcomes, building inclusive campus culture, and coaching educator teams. Resilient leader, breast cancer survivor, and passionate advocate for multilingual learners and historically underserved youth.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Upper Grade Dean of Instruction (Grades 4–8)
Elevate School
San Diego
06.2022 - Current
- Led instructional turnaround on 4–5 campus after two years of declining scores; deployed data-rich coaching, curriculum refinement, and targeted interventions.
- Elevated middle school outcomes to align with K–5 academic excellence; particularly strong growth for multilingual and historically underserved students.
- Designed and facilitated professional learning on restorative practices, culturally responsive literacy routines, and math integration—bolstering instructional clarity and rigor.
- Strengthened family-school partnerships through enhanced multilingual outreach and culturally relevant events, leading to increased trust and participation.
Social Studies Teacher
Orange Glen High School
Escondido
08.2007 - 08.2022
- Designed and delivered culturally responsive curriculum for World History and AP U.S. Government & Politics.
- Co-wrote board-approved curriculum for Peer Leaders Uniting Students for district use.
- Led Professional Learning Community to foster collaboration among educators.
- Created and implemented Honors Summer Bridge program allowing freshmen to bypass World Cultures for AP European History.
- Aided pilot of Honors World Cultures inclusion project, focusing on curriculum development and execution.
- Trained peer leaders to facilitate forums and oversee campus service learning projects based on student needs.
- Developed PLUS Closet initiative to support student well-being and address clothing insecurity.
Social Studies Teacher
Julian High School
Julian
08.2005 - 07.2007
- Developed and executed Senior Portfolio Project aligned with California Content Standards.
- Authored board-approved curriculum for 11th-12th Grade Anthropology, gaining UCSD Honors Elective approval.
- Taught 11th Grade U.S. History and 10th Grade World History, fostering critical thinking skills.
- Co-taught with Special Education teacher to establish inclusive classroom environment for diverse learners.
- Created curriculum for Freshmen Studies, implementing Too Good for Drugs program funded by grant.
Education
Master of Science - Education
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT03-2023
Single Subject Credential Program - Social Studies
California State University San Marcos
San Marcos, California06.2005
Bachelor of Arts - History, Anthropology
California State University San Marcos
San Marcos, California06.2004
Skills
- Data analysis
- Curriculum development
- Instructional coaching
- Professional development
- Restorative practices
- Culturally Relevant Curriculum Design
- Family & Community Engagement
- Partnership Management & Event Coordination
Certification & Awards
CERTIFICATIONS
- March 2024; Human Subjects Research SBE Comprehensive, CITI Program
- September 2022; Teacher Induction Mentor, SDCOE
- Jun 2021; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Wordplace Certificate, University of Southern Florida
AWARDS
- 2021 Ford Freedom “Unsung Teacher Hero of COVID‑19”
- 2020 Teach for Innovation Award (DEI), Teach for America San Diego
- Sony Teacher of the Year, 2015
- Featured in San Diego County Office of Education “Profiles in Power”
Professional Enagement
- Teach for America San Diego Leadership Fellow
- Panel Moderator, Western Governors University Hispanic Heritage Month and Military Spouse Initiative
- Guest Presenter, Freedom Reader series
Timeline
Upper Grade Dean of Instruction (Grades 4–8)
Elevate School
06.2022 - Current
Social Studies Teacher
Orange Glen High School
08.2007 - 08.2022
Social Studies Teacher
Julian High School
08.2005 - 07.2007
Master of Science - Education
Western Governors University
Single Subject Credential Program - Social Studies
California State University San Marcos
Bachelor of Arts - History, Anthropology
California State University San Marcos
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