PLI #2

About the Session

Join us to learn about the new OpenSciEd program for elementary grades coming soon to a classroom near you. Learn how this instructional approach supports all students in figuring out complex science issues in their world through a coherent storyline. During the session, we’ll engage participants in a common, immersive curriculum-based professional learning experience, provide opportunities to explore key aspects of the instructional materials through video and consider how the OpenSciEd Elementary classroom agreements can support an inclusive classroom culture.

Janna Mahfoud

Janna Mahfoud is a BSCS Science Educator working across professional learning and leadership development, with a focus on transforming science teaching and learning for historically marginalized populations. Janna is co-chair of the BSCS Equity and Social Justice Collaborative. Prior to BSCS, Janna taught elementary and middle school science, and served as a K-8 District Science & Engineering Specialist supporting curriculum implementation through strategic planning, professional learning, and coaching services.

Yanira Vasquez

Yanira Vasquez has over 20 years of experience working to improve student educational STEM outcomes. As the Elementary Curriculum Project Manager, Yanira manages the development of our elementary curriculum and professional learning. Previously, she was the state supervisor for math and science in New Mexico, where she oversaw the adoption of the Next Generation Science Standards and the NM Computer Science Standards, and supported professional learning for educators in all areas of STEM. Under her leadership, the state added teacher license endorsements for elementary math specialists and computer science for secondary educators, and supported implementation of high-quality math and science instructional materials. Yanira was the New Mexico state representative in the OpenSciEd State Steering Committee. Before joining the state agency, Yanira spent over 10 years working at the district level as an elementary school teacher, instructional coach, and school administrator.

Dr. Susan Gomez Zwiep

Dr. Susan Gomez Zwiep is currently the Program Area Director for Equitable Impact and a Senior Science Educator at BSCS Science Learning. She began her career in science education as a middle school science teacher in Los Angeles, where she spent over 12 years working with English learners in urban schools. From 2005-2020, Susan served as faculty in the Science Education Department at California State University, Long Beach where she taught courses in the undergraduate STEM pathway, teacher preparation and the graduate program in Science Education. Susan was also a Regional Director for the K-2 Alliance@WestEd, where she contributed to high-quality professional development programs that supported K12 educators in the areas of science and mathematics, including the CA NGSS Early Implementer Initiative.