Project Description
Nivan Khosravi, Fellow
Jessie Whaley Maxwell Elementary
Denver, CO
Nivan Khosravi has served as the proud principal of Maxwell Elementary in Denver for the past nine years. Nivan was named First Year Teacher of the Year when he began his career teaching second grade in North Carolina. He has experience teaching and leading in different school models, and has collaborated with innovators in the field of literacy education to provide world-class professional learning to teachers from around the globe. After earning his Masters Degree from Teachers College, Nivan moved home to Colorado to pursue his passion for teaching, learning and leading. Under Nivan's leadership, Maxwell Elementary has grown in achievement, school culture, staff retention, and community impact. Maxwell has twice been awarded the CDE Center of Excellence Award for sustained achievement of historically underserved students and longitudinal growth. Maxwell is one of only three Denver schools to move up in status on the SPF and maintain a rating of "Meets Expectations" for the past four years. Throughout his career, Nivan has focused on empowering teachers and creating school environments where teachers can share their expertise, passion and love of teaching. He is passionate about intersectional justice and creating a community where people of all backgrounds are valued and feel a sense of belonging. Nivan has collaborated with his school team to implement fully inclusive programming where students of all ability levels are included in the general education classroom setting, with Universal Design for Learning principles, and innovative supports are present.
Elizabeth Yates, Ally
Assistant Principal
Jessie Whaley Maxwell Elementary
Denver, CO
Elizabeth "Beth" Yates currently serves as Assistant Principal at Maxwell Elementary in Denver, Colorado. Beth is passionate about students having choice and ownership over their learning experience. Beth is a veteran teacher, leader and former special educator with over 36 years of experience in public education. Beth has served students from Pre-K through 12th grade, and has built positive relationships and systems that support student learning in each school she's worked in. Beth has extensive experience in elementary literacy, supporting teachers and students with best practices, and coaching teachers and leaders in multiple schools. When she's not working on supporting student achievement, Beth loves biking, the outdoors, her three dogs, and getting outside in the garden.