Project Description
Kilsys Batista, Fellow
Twin Lakes Elementary
Tampa, FL
Kilsys Batista began her career in education in 2002 as a classroom teacher in Hillsborough County Public Schools. In 2006 she received a Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of South Florida. Her desire to impact and support other teachers led her to school leadership. Her first leadership role was as Lead Teacher at a Magnet School for the Performing Arts with a focus on integrating the arts into the K-5 curriculum. In 2010, her passion to connect with and represent the growing Hispanic community in Hillsborough County led her to positions in administration at Morgan Woods Elementary followed by Twin Lakes Elementary where she currently serves as principal. During her tenure at these Title 1 schools, she was instrumental in the implementation of STEM learning and the creation of a STEM Innovation Hub. The STEM Innovation Hub connected elementary, middle, and high schools in the area to coordinate innovative experiences and resources for all stakeholders that promoted 21st Century Skills and a pathway to college readiness and a career in STEM. As a school leader, Kilsys has mentored other aspiring principals emphasizing instructional expertise, providing feedback and coaching others to improve their practice. Her commitment to removing barriers and ensuring access to resources led to the formation of the Hispanic Forum. The Hispanic Forum is composed of other school district and community leaders who share the same belief and work to ensure equitable learning opportunities for the Hispanic community.
Claudia Long, Ally
Math Coach
Twin Lakes Elementary
Tampa, FL
Claudia Long is the Math Coach at Twin Lakes Elementary in Tampa, FL. In 2004, she earned her degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Florida. As a classroom teacher in Title 1 schools, Claudia pursued roles in leadership by serving as the school’s SAC Chair, PLC facilitator, team leader and eventually instructional coach. In her role as an instructional coach, Claudia supports teachers in improving their practice through modeling, coaching, and professional development. Her passion to create innovative and hands-on experiences for students led to the development of a Robotics program. This Robotics program was expanded to include schoolwide STEM learning initiatives which led to a broader participation in a STEM Innovation Hub. The belief that a student's success is the result of a strong collaboration between the school and community is at the heart of Claudia's work in education.