Lydia Callis is a transplant from Michigan, where she was born and raised, then attended Western Michigan University (WMU) to acquire her undergrad in English Literature with a Spanish Language Minor. Post graduation, she took her BA to sunny San Diego. In her former life she worked to improve transportation for the elderly and disabled, as a planner at the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) and project manager for the American Red Cross, San Diego Chapter. Her realization to transform into an educator came through active involvement and initiating projects at the project based learning (PBL) schools her two children attended over the last several years. She was captivated to see the PBL approach creating deeper and more equitable learning environments for students of all backgrounds. Coupled with her love of children, she achieved her teaching credential through the High Tech High Apprentice program from 2015-2017, working in grades K-2. Lydia then spent the following year working with the 2nd grade team as an Academic Coach. In 2018 she became a joined the 1st grade team as a classroom teacher and is beyond excited to continue her work at HTe in 1st grade this year. Lydia is married, has two amazing kids, an equally amazing husband who she spends time with during, before and after she’s done her yoga, reading, running and photography. Most importantly she’s never stopped learning and looks forward to expanding her education through all the many and wonderful perspectives her students and colleagues will bring to her work everyday over the coming years.