Carolyn Lindstrom: I have been in education for 27 years, beginning as a substitute teacher. I have taught 7th/8th grade general education, and was a private, alternative, high school Director/Executive Director. I have been with La Mesa-Spring Valley Schools since 2008, teaching students with moderate/severe disabilities, with the last three years at Spring Valley Academy. In addition to teaching, I am also an adjunct professor for Brandman University, teaching general and special education credential teachers. I have two masters, Education Administration and Special Education, and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership. I have written articles about best practices for teaching students with disabilities in an inclusive setting. I have written a book “What’s Missing? Best Practices for Teaching Students with Disabilities.” This action research proposal will continue my quest to ensure all students, regardless of learning or physical challenge, can access the curriculum and be positively contributing members of their community.
James Villegas: I have been a musician for over 40 years and a teacher for about half that time. I should say that music is actually my 1st and 3rd career path, with that middle stretch being a ‘real world’ stint with an international mineral exploration finance conglomerate. My education background includes a degree in music from Pepperdine University and graduate study at Western Washington University. Performance ensembles include the 15th Field RCA Regimental Band, the Pacific District Military Band, the Marylhurst Symphony Orchestra, and a variety of bag band and other groups. I am currently the band director and music teacher at Spring Valley Academy.