My Journey in Education

Ms. Tariba has worked in multilingual education for over thirty years after getting Teaching Credentials and master’s degrees in education from Utah State University and a California Education Administration Credential from San Jose State University.  She was a Bilingual Teacher, ELD Migrant Education Teacher, ELD Specialist and Administrator for the Hollister, Morgan Hill and Gilroy Unified School Districts in the Santa Clara Valley area. During this time, Lorena established interstate collaborations with Arizona and Texas to expedite the exchange of student records and to maximize the services provided to migrant students. 

Ms. Tariba worked at UC Santa Cruz through a partnership between their Language and Applied Linguistics Department and the National Science Foundation where she provided coaching for teachers in ELD/Science integration in the classroom through the creation of school gardens.  She was named Family Literacy Coordinator/Adult Education Principal for Gilroy Unified School District in 2009.  In 2012, she became the Coordinator of Multilingual Programs and Title III district support at the Santa Clara County Office of Education. As the CDE regional Title III lead, she guided the technical support provided to school districts by the Santa Clara, Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito County Offices.  Most recently, she was the Director of Federal and EL Programs’ Accountability/Services at the Santa Clara Unified School District. Her SCUSD Academies for Newcomer ELs, Immigrant students were repeatedly featured in the Santa Clara COE Best Practices Annual Showcases. Her work with Newcomer EL Immigrants’ Cultures/Identity and Family Engagement served as a demonstration project that won the Santa Clara COE a California Golden Apple Award in 2019.

Ms. Tariba has led the design and implementation of the CALSA EL Leadership Academies as their Principal Facilitator for the last two years and is currently moving into her third year with this successful statewide project in California.  Lorena consults with districts in the implementation of the fiscal and programmatic aspects of state and federal programs, LCAP development and dual immersion programs.

What People Are Saying

  • Diego Ochoa, Superintendent of San Mateo-Foster City School District

    “

    I am proud to support Lorena's candidacy for Gavilan College Board Trustee because she is a champion for students. You will not find a more sincere, committed leader than Lorena Tariba. She will lead with decades of public school experience!

    ”

  • Ofelia Lariviere, Co-Executive Director, CALSA and Retired Superintendent

    “

    Lorena Tariba is the most qualified candidate for the Gavilan Community College Board of Directors because she demonstrates strong, dynamic leadership and excels as an effective communicator. Her work as a facilitator of Academies with the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators highlights her ability to inspire and guide teams, fostering enthusiasm, pride, and momentum. Lorena's high professional values and dedication to educational excellence make her the ideal choice to serve and uplift the Gavilan community. 

    She has my full support!

    ”

  • Anna Santana, Spanish Department Head, Kathleen MacDonald High School, Santa Clara USD

    “

    Lorena has been an invaluable mentor throughout my career, consistently demonstrating her extensive knowledge and expertise in the field of education. Her cultural competence and sensitivity have guided me in understanding diverse perspectives and have helped me navigate complex, multicultural environments. Lorena’s unwavering support and mentorship have been instrumental in shaping my professional growth and development.

    ”

  • Erik Ugalde, Ed.D., Fifth Grade Teacher, Agnew Elementary School, Santa Clara USD

    “

    Lorena is a champion and trailblazer for social justice, advocacy, and empowerment. Her mantra of leading by action is vividly present when she advocates and places families first at the center of all her decisions when gauging impact. Lorena’s co-creation framework, relational trust, and community cultural wealth have opened a gateway of opportunities for my community as I continue to shape my career as an educator. I hope to be like Lorena one day, where if a mentor opens one door for you, you turn and open endless doors of opportunities.

    ”

  • Veronica Adams, District Head Interpreter at Santa Clara Unified School District

    “

    Working with Ms. Tariba is truly inspiring. Her vast experience and dedication to supporting linguistically and ethnically diverse communities shine through in every aspect of her work. She combines deep knowledge with a collaborative spirit, always striving to uplift students, families, and educators alike. Her leadership in language minority programs and commitment to fostering educational equity will make her an invaluable asset to the Gavilan Community College Board of Directors (Area 4).

    ”

  • Lucy Navarro, Gilroy Community Activist and former Home-based Preschool Teacher

    “

    Lorena’s strength and resiliency are truly commendable. Having witnessed her career journey,

     

    I am always impressed with her ability to navigate any challenge she encounters with grace

    ”

Awards I’ve Won

  • County of Santa Clara Office of Women’s Policy- Phenomenal Woman Award (2020)

  • SCCOE Seal of Biliteracy Advocacy Award (2018)

  • Co-Chair, National Association of Bilingual Education - NABE (2014) Conference Program

  • Excellence Award from the California, School Leadership Academy (CSLA)- South Bay (2000)

  • Named Honorary Member of the Venezuelan Music Education Association ‘Juan Bautista Plaza” (1998)

  • Utah State University International Student of the Year (1988)