ANNOUNCING THE NEW EPAA PRINCIPAL

April 2024

We are excited to share the news that Veronica Miranda-Pinkney, Vice Principal at East Palo Alto Academy (EPAA), will serve as the Interim Principal of EPAA for the 2024-2025 academic year.

We are thrilled to continue partnering with Veronica, who has been an invaluable partner for all of us at the East Palo Alto Academy Foundation (EPAAF) and an exemplary leader at EPAA, serving as the Vice Principal alongside beloved Principal Amika Guillaume for the past two years.

Veronica came to EPAA after 26 years as a bilingual educator and instructional coach in southern California and the Bay Area. She is a fierce advocate for public education and has served on several committees at the state and national levels that support English Learners and the families we serve. During her time at EPAA, Veronica has inspired us through her tireless dedication to our students and families, her strong relationships with faculty and other administrators, and her thoughtful partnership with the Foundation family. 

We are confident that Veronica will be a fantastic leader of EPAA over the next year.

Q&A with Veronica Miranda-Pinkney

EPAA Principal

What was your experience in education before you came to EPAA two years ago?

I have been an educator for 26 years. My career began as a bilingual teacher in the Long Beach Unified School District, and then, for 21 years, I worked with the San José Unified School District, where I was a bilingual elementary school teacher, instructional coach, and middle school teacher. In addition to my classroom teaching, I have been a fierce advocate for public education and am honored to serve on many key committees at the state and national level that support English Learners and the families we serve. 

What leadership positions have you held in your career?

I was involved with the San José Teachers Association as a site representative, Minority at Large, Bargaining Team member, and CA state council delegate for 12 years.  I was heavily involved at the state level with CTA.  I was elected chair of the Language Acquisition Committee and helped lead the charge to pass multilingual education in our state.  I would lobby in Sacramento and was the teacher representative for the English Learner Roadmap Work at the State Board of Education.  After my term ended as chair of the Language Committee, I was appointed as an Ambassador to the California Association for Bilingual Education (CABE), where I continued my advocacy for multilingual programs and English Learners across the state. 

My hard work at the state level opened doors at the national level, with my recruitment as part of the new English Learner Teacher Workgroup, which helped develop the curriculum that would become part of the national training module. I then went on to become a coach and national trainer and had the opportunity to travel around the country to train teachers on strategies to support English Learners. 

My journey from grassroots advocacy at the local level to becoming a respected leader at the state and national levels is a testament to my passion, dedication, and unwavering advocacy for equity and excellence in education. 

Why do you love EPAA, and what compelled you to step into the principal role? What excites you about taking on the principalship of EPAA?

I am excited to be working down the street from my grandmother’s house, where I spent my weekends growing up. I can relate with many in the community as I am the daughter of immigrants, born on the other side of the highway at Stanford Hospital, first generation, bilingual, and a former English Learner.  My parents are from Aguililla, Michoacan, and Ahuijullo, Jalisco and I take great pride in my roots.  One of my favorite roles is being the proud mother of two bilingual, bicultural, African-American and Mexican sons who are pursuing the education field.  My eldest son is going to school to be a school counselor and has been EPAA’s basketball coach for the last two years.  My youngest is also in college and wants to be a PE teacher.  Being a recent high school mom navigating the complexities of raising my boys gives me great empathy for the families I work with. Understanding the challenges my children faced, from academic pressures to social dynamics, allows me to be a better administrator and provide support rooted in compassion and understanding to all of the students and families I serve. 

As a first-generation leader, my educational philosophy is rooted in the belief that education is the most powerful tool we have in breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty and creating lasting change in individuals' lives and entire communities.  I believe in creating inclusive learning environments that celebrate diversity and honor the unique experiences of each individual. My philosophy emphasizes the importance of equity, ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have equal opportunities to succeed. I advocate for a student-centered approach that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and innovation, empowering learners to become active participants in their own education and agents of change in society. Collaboration, empathy, and cultural competence are at the core of my educational philosophy, guiding both teaching practices and decision-making processes to create an environment where every student feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. I look forward to working with all stakeholders to make our vision a reality: Together, we will ensure our students can graduate college-ready, empowered with the knowledge, skills, and passion to positively impact their own lives, their community and the global society. 

Stepping into the role of principal fills me with boundless excitement and gratitude. Transitioning from vice principal, I see an opportunity not just to lead but to build upon the foundation laid by those who came before me. I am deeply appreciative of the dedication and hard work that have brought us to this point, and I carry forward a profound respect for the legacy they have created. 

As I embark on this journey, my vision is one of continuity and growth. I am committed to honoring the achievements of the past while charting a course toward even greater heights. Collaboration will be key; I recognize that progress is a collective endeavor, and I eagerly embrace the opportunity to work alongside our staff, students, families, and community partners. Together, we will celebrate our successes, confront our challenges, and forge a path forward that reflects our shared values and aspirations. I am honored to serve as the next principal and look forward to the incredible journey ahead.