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Educator · Instructional Coach · Team Leader

Building equitable schools through teaching, coaching, and collaborative leadership

From the classroom to operations to special education, I bring over 15 years of commitment to student growth, inclusive practice, and the belief that every learner deserves a champion.

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Christopher Cheney Canseco
About Me

Rooted in the classroom,
growing through leadership

I started my career as a teaching assistant and creative writing instructor at UMass Amherst, and quickly discovered that education was my calling. Since then, I've taught English Language Arts in Brooklyn, chaired a Social Emotional Learning department, led school operations at a progressive independent school in Berkeley, and most recently returned to the classroom through a special education fellowship.

Whether I'm designing curriculum around social justice and multiculturalism, coordinating strategic planning, or providing individualized support for students with diverse learning needs — my work is always centered on equity, collaboration, and community.

17+
Years in Education
3
Advanced Degrees
2
Coasts
Experience

A path of purpose

2025 — Present
Education Specialist
Lodestar Community Public School, Oakland, CA

Completing a year-long fellowship focused on inclusive education and special education support. Working directly with students with diverse learning needs — providing academic interventions, behavioral support, and individualized instruction aligned with IEP goals. Collaborating with general education teachers, case managers, and families to create equitable learning environments.

2021 — 2023
Director of Operations & Storytelling
East Bay School, Berkeley, CA

Managed all human resource activities and strategic planning oversight. Led weekly admin team meetings, coordinated special events including galas and donor receptions, and revamped the school website to strengthen fundraising and alumni engagement. Partnered with the Advancement Team on grant applications and donor communications.

2011 — 2021
S.E.L Department Chair, Mentor Teacher, & ELA Educator
Brooklyn Bridge Academy, Brooklyn, NY

Designed college preparatory curricula with emphasis on social justice and multiculturalism. Led interdepartmental meetings to reinforce school-wide literacy strategies and differentiation. Collaborated with nonprofit organizations to develop rigorous multimedia teaching methods. Led Chess Club.

2015 — 2017
Adjunct Faculty
ASA College, Brooklyn, NY

Taught three sections of English Composition, covering research skills, rhetorical strategies, and computer literacy. Created partnerships between local nonprofits and the college to develop internship opportunities for students.

2008 — 2010
Teaching Assistant
University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA

Instructed Creative Writing. Designed curriculum introducing students to contemporary fiction and poetry. Mediated writing workshop discussions and collaborated with fellow graduate TAs on best practices.

Christopher coaching students at Brooklyn Bridge Academy

Coaching students at Brooklyn Bridge Academy, Brooklyn, NY

Education

Foundation & training

2010 — 2012
Masters of Education (M.Ed)
Hunter College, New York, NY

Graduate of the Urban Teacher Residency (UTR) program — an 18-month residency integrating graduate coursework with intensive, hands-on experience in NYC schools, in partnership with New Visions for Public Schools and the NYC DOE.

2007 — 2010
MFA, Creative Writing
University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA

Studied contemporary poetry and fiction. Served as Managing Editor for Slope Editions. Recipient of The Class of 1940 Writing Award.

2003 — 2007
BA, English
University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA

Undergraduate studies in English literature and creative writing. Minored in Art History.

Credentials & Certificates

Licensed to teach

NY State Professional Certificate

English Language Arts (ELA)

Fully Licensed

California Intern Credential

Special Education

In Progress

Orton-Gillingham Certificate

IMSE — 30 Hours · January 2026

Completed

Blended Learning Certificate

iZone / Blended Learning Institute at Pace University

Completed

Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) Training

APF

Completed
My Philosophy

What I believe

Teaching is the work of removing barriers so that every student has a real opportunity to learn.

Students come into the classroom with different experiences, abilities, and ways of understanding the world — and those differences are not problems to fix but realities to design for. Learning happens when students feel both supported and challenged, and my role is to create conditions where that balance exists: making content accessible, expectations clear, and learning meaningful.

I use flexible approaches so students can engage with material and show what they know in ways that work for them. Whether I'm coaching a colleague, designing curriculum, or supporting a student one-on-one, I'm guided by the conviction that inclusive, compassionate education can transform lives. My work bridges the classroom and the boardroom because both spaces shape how young people experience school.

Book a Meeting

Schedule a call

Want to chat about education, collaboration, or career opportunities? Pick a time that works for you and let's connect.

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Get in Touch

Let's connect

Whether you'd like to collaborate on educational initiatives, discuss inclusive practices, or explore opportunities together — I'd love to hear from you.

Email

chrischeneycanseco@gmail.com

Phone

(413) 668-6029

Location

Berkeley, California