Curriculum Associates Sponsors ALAS Scholarship Awards to Help Latino Administrators Earn Advanced Degrees in Education

NORTH BILLERICA, Mass., Oct. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Curriculum Associates has partnered with the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS) for the fourth consecutive year to support the professional advancement of Latino administrators through the ALAS Scholarship Awards. Through Curriculum Associates' sponsorship of these scholarships, Maribel Taboada of Maywood-Melrose Park-Broadview School District 89 in Melrose, IL will receive $10,000, and Roberto Rios of Chualar Union School District in Chualar, CA will receive $2,000 toward earning advanced degrees in education.

"A prepared leader makes a substantial and positive difference for the students and professionals they lead," says Nancy Lewin, executive director of ALAS. "This fact has never been more true than it is today. Through steadfast support and generous scholarships provided by our partners at Curriculum Associates, we're able to launch two more individuals into further developing their leadership capacities among our Latino leaders. Both Maribel and Roberto are dedicated education professionals, and these scholarships will make a positive impact in the communities in which they lead and serve."

With more than 18 years of education experience including positions as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, and principal, Taboada currently serves as the director of bilingual services for District 89. She is focused on expanding the dual language program in her district, which has a high population of English Learners. After obtaining her doctoral degree from Concordia University Chicago, Taboada plans to pursue an assistant superintendent position and, ultimately, become a superintendent.

"I'm grateful to ALAS for selecting me to receive the scholarship," says Taboada. "It will support my dream of earning a doctoral degree and serve as a bridge to reach my goal of becoming a superintendent. By furthering my studies, I will have a greater impact on the students and community I serve." 

Rios has been with the Chualar Unified School District for 18 years and has served as the district's superintendent/principal for nearly a decade. Rios is actively pursuing his Doctor of Education degree in Organization K–12 Leadership. He holds a Master's of Education in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University, an Administrative Services Credential from the University of Sacramento, and a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from the University of San Jose with a minor in Spanish. During his time as a classroom teacher, Rios was recognized with the teacher of the year award and chosen to participate in the Bilingual Diversity Cohort Program at the University of Sacramento.

"Maribel and Roberto are exceptional leaders who have positively impacted the students, educators, and communities they serve," says Claudia Salinas, Vice President of English Learning at Curriculum Associates. "In partnership with ALAS, we are proud to support the professional growth of these individuals as they continue their own educational journeys."

About Curriculum Associates
Founded in 1969, Curriculum Associates, LLC designs research-based print and online instructional materials, screens and assessments, and data management tools. The company's products and outstanding customer service provide teachers and administrators with the resources necessary for teaching diverse student populations and fostering learning for all students.

SOURCE Curriculum Associates