Melissa Castillo

Affiliation

US Department of Education

Biography

Dr. Melissa Castillo has over 28 years of experience in education. She is currently serving as a Senior Advisor for the office of the Secretary. Previously, she served as the Associate Superintendent of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for the Arizona Department of Education, responsible for advancing educational opportunities and outcomes for diverse student populations. Dr. Castillo’s professional career includes elementary teacher in dual language and bilingual programs, instructional coach, site and district administrator and educational consultant. Dr. Castillo co-authored the book Language and Literacy for ELs; Creating Systematic Change for Academic Achievement and contributing author to 99 Ideas and Activities for Teaching English Learners with the SIOP® Model. Dr. Castillo continues to work with educators and leaders across the country on planning and implementing asset-based systems, language programs, and instructional practices to meet the needs of diverse learners.