Middle School Workshops
David Benitez
My name is David Benitez, and I am currently in my Third year as an English teacher at Elk Grove Charter Academy. In addition to teaching English, I also instruct classes in Independent Study, Advocacy, and Leadership. I obtained my bachelor's degree in English from UC Davis in 2020. Subsequently, I furthered my education at UC Davis to obtain my teaching credential and Master's Degree in Education. When I am not teaching, I enjoy running and spending time with my loved ones, as well as exploring various coffee shops and restaurants.
Jessica Bayze
Jessica Bayze
Advocacy/ISP Teacher
916-714-1653 X 51032
jbayze@egusd.net
I've been working in education since 2008, and this is my 3rd year at Elk Grove Charter. I teach Independent Study (ISP) and 8th-grade Advocacy, and I love finding meaningful ways to connect learning to students' lives. I've earned my B.A. in History, my Single Subject Credential in Social Science, and my Master's in Educational Leadership and Administration. Sacramento has always been home for me, aside from studying abroad for a year in college. Outside of school, you can usually find me with my husband, our 4-year-old daughter, and our cat. I'm happiest with a book in hand, my hands in the dirt in my garden, or my toes in the sand at the ocean. I'm obsessed with houseplants and love caring for my ever-growing collection.
James Breakfield
James Breakfield
Science Teacher
916- 714-1653 x51037
jbreakfi@egusd.net
I’ve been a teacher at EG Charter since 2003. I’ve taught all science courses as well as ISP for Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior students. I’ve been the EL Cordinator for 11 years. In the past I’ve had a number of careers as a Military Police Officer, Language Interpreter (Spanish), and a Security Supervisor at a Bank. Personally, I have two teenagers and have been married for 31 years. My hobbies include anything computer based. Swimming, football, and wrestling are some of the activities I’ve been associated with. I have a BS in Computer Science, and have both a single and multiple credential. Teaching and seeing the Ah-hah moments with my students is one of the best rewards.
Science Teacher
916- 714-1653 x51037
jbreakfi@egusd.net
I’ve been a teacher at EG Charter since 2003. I’ve taught all science courses as well as ISP for Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior students. I’ve been the EL Cordinator for 11 years. In the past I’ve had a number of careers as a Military Police Officer, Language Interpreter (Spanish), and a Security Supervisor at a Bank. Personally, I have two teenagers and have been married for 31 years. My hobbies include anything computer based. Swimming, football, and wrestling are some of the activities I’ve been associated with. I have a BS in Computer Science, and have both a single and multiple credential. Teaching and seeing the Ah-hah moments with my students is one of the best rewards.
Tristan Church
Tristan Church
I'm Tristan Church, History/Social Science teacher at Elk Grove Charter Academy. I have experience teaching 7th-12th grades. When I'm not in the classroom, I'm reading, gardening, cooking, or playing video games.
Alli Conway
Alli Conway
Math/Advocacy & ISP Teacher
916- 714-1653 x 51025
Math/Advocacy & ISP Teacher
916- 714-1653 x 51025
Alli Conway is in her 10th year of teaching Mathematics and her 7th year teaching at Elk Grove Charter. She attended Sacramento State and National University earning her single subject teaching credential with a Master’s Degree in Math Education. She was inspired by all the wonderful math teachers she had to teach math and inspire other kids to enjoy math as much as she did. When she is not teaching you can find her baking/cooking or spending time with her husand and farm animals.
Carlo Giordano
Carlo Giordano
Spanish & ISP Teacher
916-714-1653 x 51022
My name is Carlo Giordano, and this is my first year at EGCA. I earned my BA from UC Santa Cruz in Language Studies and a Master's from Grand Canyon University in Education. I previously taught Spanish at Elk Grove High School for 27 years. I'm teaching Spanish 1, 2, 3, and ISP this year. I bring a lot of energy to the classroom, so be ready! I love to ride my gravel bike along the Amercian River bike trail, travel, and be with family. My wife and I are lucky to have two wonderful children. They are both attending Cal Poly, SLO this fall. My daughter is a senior majoring in Environmental Engineering, while my son is a freshman majoring in Civil Engineering.
Chin Son Kim
Chin Son Kim is a dedicated educator with 17 years of experience, including 13 years teaching middle school English and ISP at Elk Grove Charter School and 3 years as a kindergarten teacher in Pittsburg, CA. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Kim cherishes spending time with her husband and their three children, aged 13, 7, and 5. The family enjoys exploring new eateries and coffee shops, and when they have free time away from the kids’ activities, they love biking, taking walks, and supporting their son’s competitive soccer games with Sacramento Republic Academy. In her spare moments (which is rare at the moment), Mrs. Kim finds joy in reading at bookstores or coffee shops, embracing the quieter side of life.
Sarah Redden
Sarah Redden
Math/Advocacy & ISP Teacher
916-714-1653 x 51026
My name is Sarah Redden and I am teaching 7th and 8th grade math, advocacy and independent study. This will be my 7th year teaching. In the past I have taught middle and high school math in Fresno and Elk Grove. I earned my undergraduate degree, teaching credential and masters from Fresno State University. I am a mom to two little ones and enjoy spending time with family and traveling!
Melissa Wade
I have been teaching for 16 years, this is year 11 for me at Elk Grove Charter. I currently teach 7th grade Advocacy, 9th grade health/ geography and 9th grade college and career. I also teach 11th and 12th grade Independent Study. I love teaching at Elk Grove Charter because of how individualized our instruction is to meet all student needs. When I am not here I enjoy spending time with my husband and 3 kids.
