Maricela Guerrero

Executive Director of Rocketship California

Maricela Guerrero is the Executive Director of Rocketship Public Schools in California, overseeing all aspects of their 13 schools in the Bay Area region.1 3 She has been with Rocketship Public Schools since its inception in 2007, serving in various roles throughout her tenure.2

Background and Career

Maricela Guerrero's journey in education is deeply rooted in her personal experiences:

She is the daughter of Mexican immigrants and first encountered educational inequity as a student in south central Los Angeles.1
Her background inspired her commitment to ensuring students have access to quality education in their own neighborhoods.1

Career Highlights::

Began as a teacher in 2001 in the Alum Rock Unified School District.1
Was part of the founding team at L.U.C.H.A., an innovative elementary school in Alum Rock.1
In 2007, she co-launched Rocketship Mateo Sheedy Elementary, the first Rocketship Public Schools campus.1 2
Served as principal at two Rocketship schools in San Jose, including as the founding principal of Rocketship Fuerza Community Prep, a California Distinguished School.1

Achievements and Focus

Under Guerrero's leadership:

Rocketship's California schools consistently rank in the top 10% in the state for both math and English Language Arts performance among similar student populations.1
She has maintained a strong focus on equity, diversity of teachers and leaders, and parent engagement.1

Education and Additional Experience

B.A. in Latin American Studies with a minor in education from the University of California, Santa Cruz.1
Master's Degree in Education from the University of Phoenix.1
Previously served as the executive director of the Boy Scouts of the Bay Area Peninsula.1

Maricela Guerrero's dedication to educational equity and her extensive experience in the field have made her a respected leader in California's education sector.