Ms. Yava- Team Oscar, Green Village

Hello, I'm happy to be working with you. I've lived in Pittsburg and worked at Rancho for 14 years. I've taught 6-8th grade science, 6-7th grade math, and art. Currently I am the 7th grade science teacher for the Green Village, Team Oscar.

I was born and raised in Concord, growing up in a single-parent household. Mom divorced my dad when I was a baby, because of his raging alcoholism. I was an only child until I was 15, when my mom had my half brother and half sister. Then, we turned into three kids in a single-parent household, and I had to help my mom with the kids. I got my first official job when I was 14 a freshman in high school. Before that I earned money mowing lawns and cleaning houses for neighbors.

When I was a junior in high school, I actually dropped out. I finally earned my high school diploma in adult ed. at age 19. From there I continued my education by earning my AA in general studies at DVC in Pleasant Hill, my bachelors in liberal studies w/ a minor in American Indian Studies at San Francisco State University, and my masters in education and credential at University of Phoenix. I am also a certified California Naturalist for the Mt. Diablo region. 

I am Native American from the Hopi, Navajo, and Tewa tribes of Arizona and have been active in the community since I was little. Prior to working at Rancho, I was the coordinator for the Native American Studies Program for Fremont Unified School District for 2 years and worked directly with Native children to improve their academic skills with an emphasis on native culture and identity. 

I am an artist and have had a few art shows in the Bay Area and have written a book, "Existing and a Part of Me: The drawings of Aaron Yava." 

I live with my mom and our four rescue dogs. I love plants and animals and being outside with no one else around.