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Desert Learning Academy Administration and Staff
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Administration
Dr. Michael J. Grainger, Principal
Office telephone phone: 760-778-0487 x1401
Cell number: 949-702-4055
Administrative Secretary (Bilingual)
Ms. Mariana Anguiano, Phone: 760-778-0487 x1402
Counselor
Ms. Rosalia Mendoza, Phone: 760-778-0487 x1420
Cell number: 760-676-9375
Clinical Psychologist
Joaquin Galeano, PsyD, Phone: 760-778-0487 x2304
Desert Learning
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High School, Grades 9-12
Ms. Borun, 760-778-0487 x2506
- Core Classes: The Living Earth, Chemistry in the Earth System
- Electives: Science of Health and Wellness, Forensic Science, Business Leadership, Business Finance
- Degrees: Bachelor's degree in Biology from University of San Diego, Master's degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Loyola University of Chicago
- Teaching Credentials: Single Subject Life Science
- Years in Education: 16
- Online Learning Certification: Leading Edge
Mr. Escamilla, 760-778-0487 x2512
- Core Classes: Integrated Math I, Integrated Math II, Integrated Math III
- Degrees: Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering from San Carlos National University of Guatemala, Masters in Education
- Teaching Credentials: Single Subject Mathematics
- Years in Education: 7
- Additional Languages: Spanish
Ms. Moreno-Nicholas, 760-778-0487 x2505
- Core Classes: Integrated Math (I,II,III), CTE Courses
- Degrees: BS in Mechanical Engineering, MA Organizational Management
- Teaching Credentials: Clear Single Subject Credential in Technology & Industrial Education; Clear Single Subject Credential in Business; Supplemental Credential in Mathematics
- Years in Education: 23 (College & High School Levels)
- Online Learning Certification: Learning Edge
- Professional Licensure: Professional Engineer (PE) MEX
- Additional Languages: Spanish-educated native speaker
Ms. Colby, 760-778-0487 x2506
- Core Classes: English I, English II, English III, ERWC, AP English Language and Composition
- Electives: Media Literacy
- Degrees: Bachelor's degree in English from California State University, San Bernardino, Master's degree in Educational Technology from Azusa Pacific University.
- Teaching Credentials: Single Subject English
- Years in Education: 22
- Online Learning Certification: Leading Edge
Ms. Valenzuela, 760-778-0487 x2511
- Core Classes: Spanish I, Spanish II, Spanish III, AP Spanish Language and Culture
- Electives: Success 101, Freshman Seminar
- Degrees: Bachelor's degree in Spanish and ESL from Andrews University in Michigan, Master's in Teaching English as a Second Language from Azusa Pacific University
- Teaching Credentials: Single Subject Spanish, Single Subject English
- Years in Education: 20
- Online Learning Certification: Leading Edge
- Additional Languages: Spanish, Serbian, Croatian
Mr. Wheaton, 760-778-0487 x2512
- Core Classes: Civics, Economics, World History, U.S. History, AP World History, AP Government
- Electives: Psychology, AP Psychology, Sociology, Social Problems
- Degrees: Dual Bachelor’s degrees in Earth Science and Social Science from University of Idaho, Master’s degree in Administration from California State University, San Bernardino
- Teaching Credentials: Single Subject Geoscience, Single Subject Social Science
- Years in Education: 36
- Online Learning Certification: Leading Edge
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School Psychologist
Mr. Anthony Duong, Phone: 760-778-0487
Paraeducators
Ms. Jazmin Rosario, Technology Support, Phone: 760-778-0487 x2515
Ms. Christina Moore, Special Education, Phone: 760-778-0487 x2509
Ms. Andrea Rodriguez Vargas, Phone: 760-778-0487 x2514
Custodial
Ms. Michelle Marquez, Phone: 760-778-0487 x1401
Academy Teachers
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Middle School, Grades 6-8
Ms. Fabiano, 760-778-0487 x2206
- Core Classes: Math, Science
- Degrees: Bachelor’s Degree from Cal State San Bernardino, Master’s Degree in Instructional Technology
- Teaching Credential: Multiple Subject
- Years in Education: 14 years
- Online Learning Certification: Leading Edge
Ms. Jones, 760-778-0487 x2203
- Core Classes: Math
- Degrees: Bachelor's degree Women's Studies, Master's Degree in Education Teaching & Learning
- Teaching Credentials: Multiple Subject
- Years in Education: 20
Ms. Syfert, 760-778-0487 x2204
- Core Classes: English, Social Science
- Degrees: Bachelor's degree from Concordia University, Irvine, Master's degree in Education
- Teaching Credentials: Multiple Subject, Specialist Instruction in Special Education
- Years in Education: 28
- Online Learning Certification: Leading Edge
Elementary School, Grades K-5
Ms. Silva, Grades K, 760-778-0487 x2203
- Core Classes: Language Arts, Math, Science, & Social Studies
- Degrees: BS Elementary Education
- Teaching Credential: Standard Professional Elementary, K-8* Structured English Immersion
- Years in Education: 2 years
- Online Learning Certification: Edgenuity/Accelerate trained
Ms. Rabanova, Grades 1-2, 760-778-0487 x2207
- Core Classes: Language Arts, Math, Science, & Social Studies
- Degrees: Bachelor's Degree in Elementary School Teaching
- Teaching Credential: Multiple Subject
- Years in Education: 4
- Online Learning Certification: Edgenuity/Accelerate trained
Mr. Svoboda, Grades 2-3, 760-778-0487 x2202
- Core Classes: Language Arts, Math, Science, & Social Studies
- Degrees: BS Elementary Education; MA Elementary Curriculum & Instruction; ABD: Organizational Leadership
- Teaching Credential: Multiple Subject
- Years in Education: 26
- Online Learning Certification: Edgenuity/Accelerate trained
Ms. Ligman, Grades 4-5, 760-778-0487 x2205
- Core Classes: Language Arts, Math, Science, & Social Studies
- Degrees: Dual Associate degrees in Early Childhood Education and Liberal Studies from College of the Desert, Bachelor's degree from Chapman University, Master's degree in Education from Chapman University
- Teaching Credential: Multiple Subject
- Years in Education: 27
- Online Learning Certification: Leading Edge
Special Programs
Ms. Brennan, Special Education, 760-778-0487 x2509
- Support Subjects: Mathematics, Reading, Writing
- Degrees: Bachelor's degree in Special Education/General Education from Western Michigan University, Master's degree from Chapman University in Special Education, Maser's degree in Education (Middle Grades) from California State University, San Bernardino
- Teaching Credentials: Multiple Subject, Resource Specialist, Specialist Instruction in Special Education
- Years in Education: 28
Mr. De La Cruz, Special Education, 760-778-0487 x2508
- Support Subjects: ELA, Math, Science, & History
- Degrees: Masters in Special Education
- Teaching Credentials: Education Specialist
- Years in Education: 10
Ms. Ligman, Rebound, 760-778-0487 x2205
- Degrees: Dual Associate degrees in Early Childhood Education and Liberal Studies from College of the Desert, Bachelor's degree from Chapman University, Master's degree in Education from Chapman University
- Teaching Credential: Multiple Subject
- Years in Education: 27
- Online Learning Certification: Leading Edge