Faculty & Staff

What makes working at KIPP Bay Area Schools different? Simple: every single team member—whether school leader, teacher or staff—truly believes that with high expectations and no excuses, all students will successfully climb the mountain to college.

Every day, our students are challenged and supported by world-class school leaders and teachers who deliver standards-based, meticulously planned, varied instruction. These professionals, many of whom hold advanced degrees in their fields, demonstrate an unwavering commitment to their students that extends beyond the school day.

Click on a photo below to meet some of our faculty and staff.

  • Alicia Greenwald

    Alicia Greenwald

    Founding English Teacher, KIPP San Jose Collegiate

    “I chose KSJC because when I was interviewing I was so impressed by the high expectations, the quality of instruction. I wanted to be a part of that. This is the most effective system of schools I’ve seen. Everyone is focused on student achievement, on what’s best for the kids, everyone is working toward the same goals and I haven’t seen that at other schools.”

  • Elmer Rivera

    Elmer Rivera

    Social Studies Teacher, KIPP SF Bay Academy since 2005

  • Lolita Jackson

    Lolita Jackson

    School Leader,
    KIPP Bridge Charter School
    KIPP Heartwood Academy Founding Math Teacher, 2004 | School Leader, 2008

    “My favorite part of the day is going into classrooms and students are so focused on the teacher they do not see me come in or when I leave.”

  • Jesse Coburn

    Jesse Corburn

    Founding History Teacher, KIPP King Collegiate

    “I teach at KIPP King because all of us here are in pursuit of instilling passion for learning in our students. We have built a community where we push and challenge each other to be better.”

  • Leyla Akincilar

    Leyla Akincilar

    English Teacher,
    KIPP Bayview Academy since 2006

    “My favorite part of KIPP Bayview Academy is the community. This is a part of San Francisco that many San Franciscans have never been to. I have only been in San Francisco since 2005, yet I feel such a part of this community. It is a hidden treasure. It is a really small community. Everyone knows each other. Despite the urban setting that comes with its challenges, it feels intimate because of the many generations of the same families living here. At KIPP Bayview, we make a difference. We are not scratching the surface. We are anchoring ourselves in a community that is starting to see the longer fuller story of what we’re doing. Soon, we will see what we do come full circle. Students who went to KBA will come back after college and push others to go, too.”

  • Beth Sutkus Thompson

    Beth Sutkus Thompson

    Executive Director,
    KIPP Bay Area Schools since 2006

    “There is no magic to KIPP. It’s just strong, visionary leadership; exceptional teaching; more time learning; and a relentless focus on both academic and character development. There are no shortcuts, and no excuses.”