The Educator Advancement Council along with the Oregon Department of Education would like to welcome Dr. Karen Pérez, Ed.D. (she/her/ella),as the new Executive Director of the Educator Advancement Council (EAC). Dr. Pérez brings over 26 years of experience in education and community advocacy, teaching, and district-level administration. She will begin her role part-time from July 15-31, 2024, and transition to full-time on August 1, 2024.
Dr. Pérez is a highly skilled bilingual educator with expertise in diversifying the educator workforce, supporting emergent multilingual/English language learners, and fostering community engagement. She has mentored dual language teachers, served as a district administrator, and worked as an adjunct professor. Additionally, she has led district, state, and national efforts to diversify the educator workforce.
Dr. Pérez holds a master’s degree in elementary education from Portland State University and a doctorate in educational leadership from Lewis and Clark College. She also has an Oregon administrative license and has been a director at the Oregon State Educators Advancement Council for the past two years. In her new role, she is eager to collaborate with the EAC staff, directors, and partners to strengthen and expand seamless supports for educators from PreK to college and beyond.
Originally from El Salvador, Dr. Pérez is a first-generation immigrant fluent in Spanish, English, and Portuguese. She enjoys cooking with her family and spending time on the water kayaking or paddle boarding with her four daughters, husband, parents, friends, and family.
Dr. Pérez’s dedication to Oregon students and educators is evident through her roles as president of the Oregon Association of Latino Administrators, chair of the Beaverton School Board, member of the Coalition of Oregon School Administrators Equity Board, and member of the Governor’s HB 2656 Accountability Committee.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Karen Pérez to the EAC team!