Middle School Workshops
David Benitez
My name is David Benitez, and I am currently in my fourth year as an English teacher at Elk Grove Charter School. I also teach 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.
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 51021
Math/Advocacy & ISP Teacher
916- 714-1653 x 51021
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 51023
This is my 2nd year at EGCA, and my 29th year teaching. I earned my BA from UC Santa Cruz in Language Studies and my Master's from Grand Canyon University in Education. I'm teaching Spanish 1, 2, 3, ISP, and Advocacy this year. I bring a lot of energy to the classroom, so be ready! I love to ride my gravel bike along the American River bike trail, travel, and be with family. My daughter graduated last year and is beginning her career as an Environmental Engineer, while my son is a sophomore at Cal Poly, SLO, 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.
Erik Prussel
Erik Prussel
Science/ISP Teacher
916- 714-1653 x 51032
Science/ISP Teacher
916- 714-1653 x 51032
eprussel@egusd.net
This ‘26 - ‘27 school year will be my 33rd year teaching and my first year teaching at Elk Grove Charter. This year I will be teaching 7th - 12th grades. My wife of 32 years and I have four children ages 28, 25, 23 and 14 as well as two grandkids ages 16 months and 8 months and one more grandkid on the way.
Sarah Redden
Sarah Redden
Math/Advocacy & ISP Teacher
916-714-1653 x 51021
My name is Sarah Redden, and I am excited to be teaching 7th and 8th grade math, Advocacy, and Independent Study this year. I have taught middle and high school in both Fresno and Elk Grove, making this my 8th year in education. I earned my undergraduate degree, teaching credential, and master’s degree from Fresno State University.
Outside of the classroom, I’m a mom to two little ones. I enjoy spending time with my family and traveling and am looking forward to another great year!
Outside of the classroom, I’m a mom to two little ones. I enjoy spending time with my family and traveling and am looking forward to another great year!
Renu Tejpal
Renu Tejpal
Science Teacher
916- 714-1653 x 51032
Science Teacher
916- 714-1653 x 51032
rtejpal@egusd.net
I have been teaching in Elk Grove Unified School District for 20 years. I spent the past 10 years at Pleasant Grove High School teaching Biology, and I am excited to start a new chapter this year at Elk Grove Charter Academy. This year, I will be teaching Biology, AP Environmental Science, and Independent Study. I have always enjoyed teaching science and helping students become curious about the world around them. I especially enjoy getting to know my students and finding ways to help them connect what they are learning to their everyday lives. I am excited to be part of the EGCA community and look forward to getting to know our students, families, and staff. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, gardening, cooking and making memories with my loved ones.
Melissa Wade
I have been working in education for 18 years, and I truly enjoy helping students learn, grow, and feel successful at school. I teach 9th-12th grade and I am starting my 13th year at Elk Grove Charter Academy. I am married and have three adult children, two daughters and one son. I have a fur baby too, a golden retriever named Goose!
When I’m not at school, I stay busy working a fun weekend job at a small local business and supporting my husband, who is a high school football coach. I also enjoy being involved as a member of the football booster club, and playing trivia at local places in Elk Grove.
One of my favorite things about working at Elk Grove Charter Academy is the small-school setting. It gives me the opportunity to really get to know my students, build meaningful connections, and create a supportive learning environment where every student can feel valued and successful.
When I’m not at school, I stay busy working a fun weekend job at a small local business and supporting my husband, who is a high school football coach. I also enjoy being involved as a member of the football booster club, and playing trivia at local places in Elk Grove.
One of my favorite things about working at Elk Grove Charter Academy is the small-school setting. It gives me the opportunity to really get to know my students, build meaningful connections, and create a supportive learning environment where every student can feel valued and successful.
- Our School
