Project Description
Robert Beam, Fellow
Newlon Elementary
Denver, CO
Robert Beam has been principal of Newlon Elementary in Denver, Colorado since 2017. The school serves a diverse community consisting of 90% of students receiving free and reduced lunch and 67% of the students are English Language Learners. During his twenty-one years in education he has always worked in or with Title I schools. The last 12 years have been spent as a school leader and during this time he has successfully led two schools from "turnaround" to meets/exceeds expectation status as measured by district and state frameworks. Robert received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Political Science from the SUNY at Geneseo, Elementary Teacher Certification from the Metropolitan State College of Denver, a Master’s in Instructional Design from the University of Colorado at Denver and a Graduate Certificate in School Leadership from the University of Denver.
Yuritzia Ojeda-Ayala, Ally
Assistant Principal
Newlon Elementary
Denver, CO
After graduating from University of Colorado Denver with her Bachelor's Degree and while working at a Montessori Daycare and Preschool, Yuritzia Ojeda-Ayala supported the primary teacher with the kinder students and taught Spanish as a second language. Appreciating the positive impact she had in this role, she recognized that she could have a greater influence in the lives of children as a teacher. She returned to school at the Metropolitan State University of Denver, where she completed her Teacher License program, allowing her to begin her new career as a 2nd grade teacher at Greenwood Academy. Jumping at the opportunity to expand her influence in the school’s success, Yuritzia shifted her role from the classroom to supporting teachers as an instructional coach. She quickly found a passion for service as a school leader so she pursued and completed a Principal licensure program at the University of Denver in 2017-18. She currently serves as the Assistant Principal at Newlon Elementary. Yuritzia believes strongly in supporting the whole child. She knows that when students believe they are valued and cared for they will work hard to develop to their full potential and persevere. Yuritzia consistently supports teachers, students and families in helping develop and maintain a school culture where students have a safe and fun place to grow, learn, and thrive socially, emotionally and academically. Yuritzia is married with two children. They enjoy spending time together, traveling and trying new foods.