Monica Collazo currently serves as an Early Literacy - Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA). She has worked 25+ years in the Parlier Unified School District in California’s central valley. Her classroom teaching assignments ranged from first through fifth grade, as well as middle school. At the middle school level, she also served as an Academic Coach, site English Learner coordinator, and Reading Intervention Teacher.

At the elementary level, in addition to her current Early Literacy Coach role, she was also the Kindergarten through 6th grade Reading Intervention Teacher. Along with working in the Parlier Unified School District, she is also a Teacher Leader for the California Reading & Literature Project. Within this scope, she provides support and training to teachers in the areas of reading foundational skills and reading comprehension.

Monica graduated from National University, Fresno with a Masters Degree in Education as well as a multiple subject teaching credential. She obtained her Bachelors Degree and graduated Magna Cum Laude from California State University, Fresno, where she also recently completed her Preliminary Clear Administrative credential. Her educational philosophy is to make literacy and learning accessible and equitable for all students. She affirms that through her role, she can support and train teachers in science based reading practices. Practices that will enhance their knowledge and instructional delivery, especially in the foundational years, to ensure that all students become skilled readers.

Her involvement with the Teacher Advisory Board (TAB) provides collaborative experiences as well as diverse perspectives. In addition, TAB also provides exposure to the latest resources that enhance and support her educational philosophy. Furthermore, through collaborative efforts and networking, she can continue to advocate for student-centered decision making at the local level to continue to improve literacy, learning, and social and emotional support for all students.