Meet Lisa DeCastro! She is the Elementary Coordinator at Mizzou Academy and also an Assistant Professor of Professional at the University of Missouri’s College of Education and Human Development. Lisa learned so much about teaching from her wonderful Kindergarten and first-grade students in Oakland, California. Many of them are now in high school, college, or even parents themselves!

Lisa loves to bring cooking, gardening, sports, and art into the classroom. She believes these activities help students become better readers, writers, mathematicians, scientists, and kind humans. Even the youngest of students can be change makers dedicated to making our world a more diverse and compassionate place.

Lisa lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, two teenage sons, and their adorable Beagle. She enjoys spending time outdoors, gardening in her backyard, and cheering on her kids in their various sports and activities.

At Mizzou Academy, Lisa leads the writing for the early elementary curriculum, supports teachers, and helps grow the elementary program. One of her greatest joys is seeing Mizzou Elementary teachers share their wisdom and successes with each other, making the program even stronger

Certifications and Degrees:

• B.A. Economics and Math
• Multiple Subject California Teaching Credential with English Learner Authorization
• Certified in Project GLAD Ⓡ (Guided Language and Acquisition Design
• Online Teaching Certification, University of Missouri, 2024

Areas of Expertise

• Supporting multilingual learners
• Developing culturally responsive curriculum for elementary students
• Conversational Spanish