Mary Funaoka, Ed.D​

Mary began her career in education with Teach for America and taught high school English in Lynwood. As a teacher, she taught and coordinated the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program, oversaw summer school, and later became a Teacher on Special Assignment overseeing categorical programs. Mary transitioned into the role of a literacy coach where she supported middle school teachers across LAUSD and became certified in Cognitive Coaching. She then joined Camino Nuevo Charter Academy as the Director of Academic Affairs for the organization. She oversaw the alumni program, data management, the writing initiative, and special education. Before joining the SAC family, Mary served as the Secondary Language Arts Coordinator for the Orange County Department of Education where she provided training and professional development related to Common Core State Standards, ERWC, and literacy. Mary earned her B.A. from UCLA in English, a M.A. in Secondary Education from Loyola Marymount University, and her Ed.D. from USC in Educational Leadership with a concentration on teacher education in multicultural settings. She loved traveling, checking things off her bucket list, and most importantly, spending time with her three young children.​

Click on the link to make a donation in Mary's honor to Lungevity: Lunge​​​vity