Joshua Salas (he/him/his) has always been a learner and advocate at heart. He began his journey at UC Santa Barbara, where he pursued studies in sociology & global studies. Being passionate about politics and the world around him, Josh was involved in educational justice and racial equity as a first-generation Black Guamanian. He then pursued his Master’s in sociology, deciding that academia wasn’t for him. Still wanting to work in education, Josh joined Teach for America Los Angeles, where he chose special education, inspired by his personal experience and his family’s involvement with IEPs. Inspired by his time with his students, he graduated with a second Master’s in special education. Now entering his 5th year teaching special education and third year at Alliance Renee and Meyer Luskin Academy, Josh works to address systemic inequities inside and outside of his classroom. In his pursuit to grow and uplift the voices of the most vulnerable students, Josh is dedicated to centering students and families in his work and all spaces. Alongside his department lead position, he co-advises the Associated Student Body (ASB), supports Teach Plus as a Senior Fellow, and is now an Aspiring Principal Fellow in the Diversity in Leadership Institute (DLI). He loves spending time with his loved ones, taking dance classes, traveling to new places, or reading new books when he is not teaching.