Hi everybody! My name is Adriana Barraza and I am thrilled to begin my first year at IA teaching sixth grade.

 

I grew up in the fields of the Imperial Valley, the daughter of Mexican immigrants. In this desert, I ran in the sunshine, and developed my love for nature, animals and hard work. On the domesticated side, I had dogs, raised pigs, and a rotating assortment of other farm animals including sheep, goats and a horse. On the wild side, I loved coming across muddy toads, migrating egrets, fluttering swallows, croaking bullfrogs and the occasional snake.

 

As a first-generation college student, I studied at UCSD. I started with Biology and eventually graduated with a B.A. in Visual Arts (Media/Photography) and a minor in Ethnic Studies. I continued there to earn my Masters in Education. I now hold a Single Subject teaching credential in English, Spanish and Art with Bilingual, Crosscultural, Language and Academic Development (BCLAD) authorization.

 

In between all of that, I traveled throughout the U.S. and Mexico, learning from many Native American communities. My interests in biological diversity and the environment became connected with the preservation of first peoples’ knowledge and their rights to a life with dignity and self-determination. Working with these communities fortified my understanding that education is:

1. A life-long endeavor, and
2. Key to moving towards a balance in which ecological and cultural diversity is rich, sustainable, and can exist in mutual benefit and respect.

This set the compass as I navigate life.

 

I worked as a high school teacher doing project-based learning in City Heights for eight years. We created a school garden, a mentorship program with Scripps Institution of Oceanography Grad Students and a Health and Sustainability Club. 

 

I took a break from teaching when I became a mother. I started a tiny backyard microgreens farm with my neighbor. Our farm got together with our friends’ farm and we started Foodshed, a small farm cooperative. I learned A LOT about how to run a business! I also learned that the way we grow food can help fight climate change because healthy soil pulls carbon out of the air and puts it back into the ground where it belongs.

 

I love to sew, read, dance, hike and run on the beach with my two kids and dog named Simón. I am excited to make new connections and continue learning with all of you!