About Us

Loy Dakwa, Ed.D.

Professional Development and Induction Coordinator

Formerly an English teacher, instructional coach and BTSA support provider, Loy joined the Educational Services division at the district office to coordinate the induction program in 2011. Over the last several years, she led the program to its accreditation and transition from the 2008 to 2015 CCTC induction standards under the umbrella of its new name, Antelope Valley Teacher Induction. Loy is passionate about the professional learning and well-being of beginning teachers and has published articles in the California Council on Teacher Education Newsletter and the Journal of School Administration Research and Development on the subject. She holds three masters degrees in education, educational technology and education administration. She also has a doctorate in education, with emphasis in curriculum, teaching, learning and leadership. A Google certified educator and trainer, Loy also serves as adjunct faculty for California State University, Bakersfield, where she is a lecturer on Classroom Management and Differentiated Instruction for Single Subject Teachers.

Ben Jefferson

Teacher Induction Mentoring Specialist (TIMS)

For the past fifteen years, Ben has practiced his passion for universal student achievement through his work as an Education Specialist, Instructional Partner, and AVTI Mentor. As a classroom teacher, who holds an M.A. in Special Education, Ben instructed students with mild-to-moderate disabilities to master core subject material, become independent learners, and develop transferable study skills. As an Instructional Partner, he worked in conjunction with PHS’ instructional coach team to support faculty and staff with effective instructional strategies. As an AVTI (formerly called BTSA) mentor and intern coach, Ben had the opportunity and privilege of working with beginning teachers on improving their teaching practice and developing strategies designed to bolster student achievement. As a TIMS, he hopes to continue facilitating the professional growth of new AVUHSD teachers in order to promote teacher development and foster student success.

David Rivas

Teacher Induction Mentoring Specialist (TIMS)

A high school English teacher with over a dozen years of experience, David has taught ninth through twelfth grades at Highland High School including Literacy Support, AVID, ELD, Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses. Dedicated to supporting and improving adolescent literacy and developing student-centered classrooms through technology integration, David is a Google for Education Certified Educator and Trainer and has had an original lesson featured on TED-Ed. Before becoming a TIMS, David served for four years as an Instructional Partner, and three years as ELA department chair and BTSA/AVTI Support Provider. A product of the community, David is a graduate of CSU Bakersfield's local extension campus, and seeks to give back to his community by mentoring AVUHSD's beginning teachers as a TIMS. Blogger, avid comic book aficionado, and a life-long learner, you'll find him tweeting @MrDavidERivas.

In addition to our two full time Teacher Induction Mentoring Specialists, the AVTI program also relies on the support of site mentors. The teachers listed in the chart, and partially pictured here, currently serve as part time mentors.

Report abuse