Susana Baum, reading specialist at Solana Vista Elementary School in Solana Beach, uses a vast array of literacy tools to turn struggling learners into confident, competent readers. She adapted a secondary-level reading intervention program to the needs of primary students, and now coordinates its use in five schools in the district. She makes home visits, hosts parent education nights and enlists local businesses in support of her parent activities. In addition to her leadership in professional development and curriculum, Mrs. Baum is collaborating on an effort to measure growth in student learning over the school year, a first step toward identifying and emulating the best instructional practices system-wide.
1992 University of San Diego, B.A.
National University, M.Ed.
Cal State San Marcos, M.A.
2020 District Teacher of the Year
Leadership in Biliteracy Award
