Diana B Vélez

Curriculum Developer & Professional Learning
Full Optional Science System (FOSS) & Improving Practice Together (IPT)

Ms. Vélez is a curriculum developer and professional learning provider for the Full Option Science System Project (FOSS K–8) at the Lawrence Hall of Science. She specializes in English language development and the integration of literacy in science teaching and learning. Ms. Vélez assists in the development and implementation of FOSS instructional materials and creates pedagogical resources that support access and equity. She also leads professional learning experiences for educators, administrators, families, and community members using FOSS instructional materials to develop scientific literacy, teacher capacity, and systemic change in schools and districts across the country and internationally. Before coming to the Lawrence Hall of Science, Ms. Vélez was the instructional leader for a science-centered elementary school in Oakland, California and was a founding-member and teacher in a Spanish dual-immersion program. She has two bachelor’s degrees from the University of California, Berkeley and bi-lingual teaching credentials from California State University, East Bay.

Diana Vélez is a professional learning specialist and curriculum developer at the Lawrence Hall of Science at the University of California in Berkeley. She currently works with various science education projects focusing on English Language Development and the integration of literacy, building teacher leadership, and classroom and district-wide implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards. As part of the FOSS (Full Option Science System) curriculum development team, she has written extensive instructional resources to support equitable science teaching and learning. Ms. Vélez began her career in education teaching first grade in a bilingual classroom in the Oakland Unified School District. During her time in Oakland, she also served as an instructional leader at the site and district-level, helping to create and sustain a successful dual language Spanish immersion program, and leading the development and implementation of a science-centered elementary school.