Staff Directory

Name: Amy Acquino

Pronouns: she/her

Education:

* BA -Sociology-University of South Florida 

*BA-English Education-University of South Florida

*Masters- Education Administration- Concordia University-Chicago

How I Got Into Education: Honestly, I wanted to have summers off to travel. However,  I ended up falling in love with being an educator when I started teaching literacy and critical thinking skills to migrant students in Florida. I’ve been hooked on serving others ever since!! 

Hobbies: Music!!!, spending time with my daughter (which usually involves dining out or cheesy reality shows!), destination walks with my sweet puppy, Stella,  hanging out with my friends, exploring new places, and the list goes on….

Email Address: amacquino@seattleschools.org

Name: Abdulqadir Ahmed
Pronouns: He/Him
Education:  Western Governors University, B.A. Mathematics; Arizona State University, M.Ed.
How I got Into Education: The reason why I chose education is because of one old Somali proverb that says, "bar ama baro" which translates to "teach or learn". This old saying has inspired me to become a teacher. I see teaching as transferring knowledge to the next generation.

Name: Nakiya Baker

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Education: Seattle University, B.A. Humanities for Leadership & Spanish; Currently enrolled in School Counseling Program at Oregon State University

How I Got Into Education: My grandparents worked in the school district their whole lives, the love for education got passed onto me!

Hobbies: Reading, sewing, my dogs, TV

Email Address: nebaker@seattleschools.org

Name: Jimi Benavidez

Pronouns: he/him/his

Education: University of Washington, B.A. English Major, Education Minor; University of Washington Masters in Teaching; Western Governors University Masters in Education – Learning and Technology

How I Got Into Education:  I was a very reluctant reader as a child until my grandmother sat me down and showed me how to envision myself within the context of any book. When I finished reading Robinson Crusoe, I felt a huge sense of relief (as well as achievement) having finished it. Even though I have forgotten the story, I still remember that feeling. I have been always interested in working with students; I would volunteer during the summers as a vacation bible school counselor or tutoring in my free time. After working years in retail management and human resources, I realized that teaching is where my passion lies. Though it may be lots of hard work and long days, this work is still the most rewarding. My goal is to inspire my students the way that my grandmother did for me all those years back.

Hobbies: swimming, eating, reading, watching movies, T.V. shows, and Anime (currently getting caught up with Bleach), binging Netflix, traveling, eating, and more eating

Email Address: jgbenavidez@seattleschools.org

Name: Kai Brunson

Pronouns: he/him

Education: University of Washington. Bachelors in International Studies and Minors in Math and African Studies. Certified in Secondary Mathematics.

How I Got Into Education: I was a camp counselor and outdoor trip guide for a few years. I really enjoyed working with children, and I have always been passionate about learning. Decided to combine the two!

Hobbies: Playing music and backpacking

Email Address: khbrunson@seattleschools.org

I grew up on Queen Anne Hill attending Seattle Public Schools.  Graduated from Eastern Washington with a B.A. in History and Political Science and a minor in American Indian Studies.  Attained my Teaching Certification at the University of Washington.  I started working at Washington Middle School at the start of January '17 as a Reading Specialist teaching Read 180.  This is a terrific school with a very rich history.  I enjoy being here with the kids each day.  Thank you for sending your children here !!

Name: Theo Crum

Pronouns: he/him

Education: Berry College & Reading University (UK), Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Religion; Emory University, Master of Divinity; University of Memphis, Master of Arts in Teaching; 11 years of learning with and from students while working as a classroom teacher.

How I Got Into Education: I am a third generation Math teacher, but teaching is my second career. Inspired by the work of James Lawson, I spent 14 years doing community development and conflict resolution work in The United Methodist Church. I became a teacher because I believe every kid deserves an extra adult who believes in them and has their back. My favorite days as a teacher are the ones when we take on challenging tasks and concepts, collaborate together, and succeed in learning new things.

Hobbies: Spending time with my wife and kids, cooking, riding one of my bicycles, reading, listening to Podcasts, hiking, traveling, playing songs on the guitar, and eating… I really love to eat!

Email Address: tgcrum@seattleschools.org

Ryan Dix

He/him

B.A. in Anthropology, urrently getting Master's at UW

I got into education through a nonprofit named City Year and found my passion for teaching math.

I play Dungeons and Dragons, love competition (physical and video games), and cooking (albeit not that good yet)

rjdix@seattleschools.org