Our Team
“We aim to create joyful, purposeful places of learning”
We know that by working together, we can build exceptional schools!
We are a group of experienced educators who are always asking, “How can we make school the most amazing place in the neighborhood for kids?” We want to prepare our students - starting in Pre-K and Kindergarten - for the long road to college and beyond, but we want to pave a road that is fun, exciting, safe, and joyous. We think that’s what school is all about!
Sí Se Puede Schools team works hard, works urgently, and does whatever it takes to get the job done. We are dedicated to growing sustainably and responsibly, working closely with schools, teachers, families, districts, and community partners to learn from them and continuously improve our approach.
Our Team
Executive Director
Chief of Schools
Our Board Members
Board Chair
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Joel is a strategic leader and consultant dedicated to innovation in public education. He has founded a nonprofit education champion organization or funding engine for innovation in San Antonio public schools called City Education Partners. Joel also founded KIPP University Prep High School in San Antonio and he has taught multiple subjects for grades 6-12 in traditional public and charter schools in Tennessee and Mississippi. Joel Has been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship, a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship, the New Teacher of the Year of Southaven High School, Rhodes College Outstanding Young Alumnus, and he holds a B.A. from Rhodes College and an M.A. from the University of Mississippi. Most importantly, Joel is a husband and a father of five.
Board Member
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Belinda Granados currently serves Our Lady of the Lake University’s Education Department as their Certification Officer. Her role entails not only recruiting talented and promising future educators but assisting current education majors stay on track as they work towards their full Texas teacher certification. She is a passionate and dedicated advocate for all students with a focus on the development of quality educators who in turn will empower their students to bring about positive change at the local, state, and national level. As a native Texan she firmly believes that an individual’s circumstances do not dictate their potential. Her previous experience includes 17.5 years in the classroom as an elementary teacher, teacher mentor, and grade level chair followed by 3.5 years as a campus and district administrator for a local charter as the Director of Federal Programs. Belinda’s educator experience included being a nominee for the HEB Teacher of the Year, Disney Teacher of the Year and was awarded various grants for her classroom and campus. Belinda holds a B.S. in Philosophy with a minor in Sociology, an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization as a Master Reading Teacher, and Principal Certification from Our Lady of the Lake University. Additionally, she is a Texas certified educator with certification in the following areas: Elementary PK-6, Legacy Master Reading Teacher EC-12, and Principal EC-12.
Board Secretary
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Maria currently serves as the Dean of Relay GSE San Antonio and part of her role involves overseeing all aspects of teacher training. She is a native Texan and is a passionate and dedicated teacher educator who strives to provide PK-12 teachers with the effective instructional knowledge and skills they need to teach for educational equity. Before becoming Dean of Relay GSE San Antonio, she was a professor of science education for 3 years, a high school administrator for 4 years and a middle and high school science teacher for 15 years. Maria has been awarded the 2008 Southside High School Teacher of the Year and various grants for her classrooms, including the TRC STEM initiative grant and Accelerated Science Achievement grant. Maria holds a B.A. in biology from Our Lady of the Lake University, a M.A. in teaching from the University of the Incarnate Word, and a M.A. in educational administration from Texas A&M San Antonio. Additionally, she is a Texas certified educator with certification in the following areas: Composite Science 8-12, Secondary Biology 6-12, ESL 6-12, Principal EC-12, and Superintendent EC-12.
Upcoming
Board
Meetings
Our board meetings are open to the public and subject to Texas Open Meeting laws. Interested members of the public who wish to speak to the Board at an upcoming meeting are encouraged to arrive early to the meeting to sign up for the Public Comment portion of the meeting.
Date and time:
Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024
11:30am - 12:30pm
Video Conference, Join Here
Board Meeting Archive
Monday, Sep 28, 2020
1:00 PM
Will be held by Zoom video conference, click here to join.
Thursday, Nov 19, 2020
1:00 PM
Will be held via Zoom video conference, click here to join.
Agenda - Minutes
Wednesday, Dec 9, 2020
1:00 PM
Will be held by Zoom video conference, click here to join.
Board Meetings 2022-2023
Thursday, April 20, 2023
10:00am-11:00am
Video Conference