Suggestions
Rachel Oppenheim
Education Dean and Advocate for Equity & Justice
Rachel Oppenheim is an accomplished educational leader currently serving as the President and Executive Board Member of the Washington Association for Colleges of Teacher Education (WACTE) since April 2021. In this role, she focuses on leadership issues related to professional education, particularly teacher education, and advocates for policies that promote equity and excellence in education across Washington state.12
Professional Background
Oppenheim has a strong commitment to educational justice and equity, having begun her career as a public school teacher in urban inclusive and multilingual classrooms. Her experiences in these settings have shaped her understanding of diverse learners' needs and the importance of culturally sustaining pedagogy.1 She has held various leadership roles in higher education, where she has developed programs aimed at improving outcomes for students historically marginalized in the educational system.
Advocacy and Initiatives
As President of WACTE, Oppenheim leads strategic planning efforts, acts as a liaison to state organizations, and facilitates quarterly statewide convenings that focus on promoting diversity and inclusion within the professional education community. She is also a founding member and Chair of the Social Justice Committee within WACTE, which works to center social justice in all aspects of the organization.123
Additional Contributions
Beyond her work with WACTE, Oppenheim has been involved with University Beyond Bars (UBB), where she has worked with incarcerated individuals to improve educational access and outcomes. Her advocacy extends to engaging with various stakeholders, including schools, community organizations, and legislators, to address systemic injustices within educational frameworks.13
In summary, Rachel Oppenheim is a dedicated advocate for educational equity who leverages her extensive experience in teaching and administration to foster positive change in teacher education across Washington state.