August 29, 2020 - We have to believe that young people can change the world!  Because they can.  But they need our help.

During my teenage years growing up in Yosemite Valley, I learned to appreciate the value of learning beyond classroom walls.  Now, complicated by COVID-safe learning challenges, we have an opportunity to take that to a new level.  As a rural district with varied needs, a diversity of choices will need to be carefully considered and made by individual families about safe schooling options this year.  Whatever the decision, whether it is home schooling, virtual learning or in-person instruction (when it is safely possible) the emphasis must be on engaging and connecting with all students.  And we must support our teachers with equitable professional development opportunities to deliver the best possible instruction.

After three decades spent as a special education teacher and school principal in several schools, I returned to Mariposa County seven years ago to build my home here.  Since my return, I have worked as a consultant to school districts across the country and overseas, training teachers in project-based-learning.  With a focus on children and contributing to our community, I have served as a Board member for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Mariposa working for children in foster care, and as a docent at the Mariposa History Museum, helping to bring our colorful history to life for school children. 

Despite current challenges we can find ways to prepare students to be ready for work or for college. We can guide them to become creative problem solvers in an increasingly complex world. My work with multiple school districts, each with a variety of issues, has given me a broad outlook and I look forward to supporting our children’s varied learning needs. 

If you would like a copy of my resume, please email me at Lisarckwll@gmail.com and I will be happy to send you one.

Whatever you do, please vote.  

Lisa Rockwell
Mariposa County School Board District 5 Candidate