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Kelly Murguia
Manager, Culturally Responsive Leadership Development at Teach For America
Professional Background
Kelly Murguia is a dedicated educator and passionate advocate for language learners in the San Antonio community. With a career spanning over a decade in teaching English as a Second Language (ESL), Kelly has made significant contributions to the educational landscape at Luther Burbank High School, where she served as both an ESL teacher and a representative on the Language Proficiency Assessment Committee. Her commitment to education began early in her career after joining the Teach For America San Antonio Charter Corps in 2010, where she discovered her deep passion for teaching and commitment to improving the educational experience for underprivileged students.
Throughout her teaching career, Kelly has positively impacted the lives of 353 language learners in grades 9-12. She sees her role as not only an educator but also an advocate for her students, emphasizing the importance of education as a tool for empowerment and community development. Her advocacy extends beyond the classroom, aiming to mentor and inspire students to become leaders in their own right.
Education and Achievements
Kelly's educational background is as diverse as her professional experience. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Commerce, Organizations, and Entrepreneurship from Brown University, where she also explored economics, sociology, and engineering. Furthering her education, Kelly earned a Master of Education in School Leadership from Harvard University Graduate School of Education. Currently, she is pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Curriculum and Instruction at The University of Texas at Austin, which demonstrates her commitment to understanding and improving educational practices.
Her passion for education led her to significant roles in various organizations. In the summer of 2012, Kelly completed a fellowship with Leadership for Educational Equity, where she collaborated with the Education and Workforce Committee of The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, she worked as a Teacher Quality Intern at KIPP SA, further enriching her skills in teacher development and leadership.
Achievements
Kelly has achieved notable success in her educational career and has received recognition for her commitment to developing leaders among teachers and students. As a former president of Brown Women in Business and the Brown Hispanic Business Association, she showcased her leadership capabilities while advocating for underrepresented groups in the business community. Her leadership skills have been instrumental in her roles at Teach For America, where she served as Manager of Teacher Leadership and Development, as well as Manager of Culturally Responsive Leadership Development. Kelly's internship with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute underscored her dedication to listening to constituent concerns, particularly around education.
In addition to her teaching and management roles, Kelly's involvement in various educational committees and initiatives highlights her dedication to fostering a culturally responsive education system. Her efforts are focused on developing the academic and social skills necessary for her students to thrive and access opportunities. Kelly's unwavering commitment to empowering young leaders in San Antonio is evident in her ongoing pursuit of personal and professional growth in education.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Kelly's vision is to establish an inner-city foundation that empowers students to become strong and courageous leaders in their communities. Motivated by the successes and challenges faced by her former students, Kelly aims to create an environment where young people can overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams. Her journey in education has been fueled by a desire to provide equitable opportunities for all students, and she continues to work towards that goal passionately.
In summary, Kelly Murguia is a trailblazer in education, dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders through her innovative teaching practices, strong advocacy work, and commitment to lifelong learning. Her contributions to the educational community in San Antonio exemplify the profound impact that one dedicated educator can have on countless lives. As she continues to grow in her career, there is no doubt that Kelly will remain a key player in advancing educational equity and fostering resilient leaders among her students.