Beginning July 1, Yaraliz “Yara” Soto will take on a new role as director of mathematics for Holyoke Public Schools after most recently serving as a math expert teacher and coach at McMahon Elementary as part of her 16-year career in education.
Ms. Soto has made a significant impact in shaping math education across the district as an instructional leadership specialist/expert teacher in mathematics for HPS at Kelly, Peck, Donahue, EN White, Morgan, and McMahon schools. In 2018, she began her Math Recovery journey as an intervention specialist and has since added Add+VantageMR Course 1, Course 2, and Fractions, as well as Math Recovery Champion to her resume.
In August 2021, she joined the board of directors for the U.S. Math Recovery Council and currently serves on the executive committee as well as chair of the board development committee. She previously served as a middle school math teacher at Holyoke Community Charter School.
“Her dedication to promoting anti-bias education and culturally responsive teaching reflects her commitment to creating inclusive environments where every student can thrive,” said HPS Executive Director of Academics Rebecca Thompson. “Beyond her professional endeavors, Ms. Soto is deeply invested in creating a better future for the students of Holyoke, including her own daughter. As our new director of mathematics, she will continue to champion equity, excellence, and innovation in math education, ensuring that all students have access to high-quality learning opportunities.”
Ms. Soto holds a bachelor's degree from Barnard College of Columbia University and a master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania. She has participated in a variety of advanced programs including UnBoundEd's Standards Institute, the Lynch Leadership Institute Fellowship where she focused on equity in educational leadership, and the Relay Graduate School of Education’s instructional leaders training.