The Oregon Association of Latino Administrators (OALA) is proud to announce the 2016-17 protégés for its prestigious Aspiring Administrator Leadership Program. Nine protégés were selected from across Oregon to participate in this yearlong leadership program.

The leadership program is the first of it’s kind in Oregon to focus on preparing the next generation of school system leaders with the skills necessary to close the achievement gap and specifically address the needs of English Language learners and other disenfranchised groups. “The number of Latino students in Oregon schools continues to grow and many of them continue to lag behind in literacy, graduation and college preparedness rates,“ said Victor Vergara, OALA President. “The OALA Leadership Program is designed to ensure that talented aspiring school administrators have the skills and experiences to meet the challenge of educating not only Latino students, but all students, to create high quality learning environments in their respective districts.”

Protégé’s were selected for the program based on their leadership potential and their commitment to raising the level of student achievement for the districts that they serve. Their level of dedication to serving the needs of children and families was also essential to their selection.

The year long program covers Leadership development, best practices for Equity and Systemic reform, Social Justice and Leadership, Strategic planning; and preparing to become a Principal or district office Administrator.

COSA is an OALA Aspiring Administrator Leadership Program partner, providing financial support, venues and access to professional development for program participants.

The program protégés represent 5 different districts. They are:

• Mr. Chris Chavez, Social Studies Teacher, Hillsboro School District
• Leticia Duran, ELD/Math Specialist, Newberg School District
• Misael Flores, Doctoral Student, University of Oregon
• Sarika Mosley, 5^th Grade Teacher, Beaverton School District
• Nelly Patino-Cabrera, 2^nd grade Dual language teacher, West Linn Wilsonville School District
• Karen Perez Da Silva, TWI Kindergarten Teacher, Beaverton School District
• Myrna Salinas, 3^rd grade Teacher, West Linn Wilsonville School District
• Edgar Solares, Social/Emotional Support, Beaverton School District
• Mariela Tyler, Teacher, West Linn Wilsonville School District