Navi Squads: Transforming Education through Student-led Learning
Students at Navigator Schools are taking charge of their educational journey and cultivating critical workplace skills when they reach middle school thanks to a paradigm-shifting approach to instruction.
The Navi Squads model shifts the educational focus from teacher-led instruction to student-led learning, encouraging students to more actively engage in their learning process. Through this approach, students are also developing real-life skills – leadership, critical thinking, collaboration, and negotiation – to help prepare them for the complexities of the modern world.
The session will also highlight how the Squads model has evolved to adapt to the developmental needs of Navigator students, as well as the role that teachers play as they transition from primary knowledge holders to facilitators/coaches for learners.
Presented by
Ashlind Martinez
Middle School Vice Principal
Navigator Schools
Ashlind Martinez is a dedicated educator with a passion for serving the community in which she grew up. She joined Navigator Schools as a small group instructor at Watsonville Prep School (WPS) during the pandemic era and learned to navigate the worlds of early literacy and distance learning. Ashlind launched the Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program at WPS and became the TK coach and Curriculum Developer— using her expertise to support the expansion of the TK program and supporting the network. She then gained experience in working in upper elementary and middle school leading her students to make significant academic progress. She is currently the WPS middle school vice principal where her dedication to phenomenal outcomes for all students is evident in her leadership practice.
Caprice Young
CEO & Superintendent
Navigator Schools
Dr. Caprice Young is a transformational education leader with a proven track record of leading complex organizations and championing big visions to success. She has a deep commitment to student voice and success. Raised in a foster family, she has a deep commitment to closing the achievement gap for students, no matter their life circumstances. Caprice's leadership experience spans multi-state and international operations, instruction, technology, finance, philanthropy, educating high-need students, advocacy, and organizations undergoing significant transformations. She has led five charter public school systems ranging from 1,750 to 49,000 students and four to 85 school sites.
Gabriela Roldan
Communications Manager
Navigator Schools
Gabriela Roldan, currently the Communications Manager of Navigator Schools, began her career with Navigator Schools, a network dedicated to exceptional outcomes for all students, nearly a decade ago. After college, Gabriela returned to her hometown with a commitment to making a difference. She started as a Teacher-in-Training at Hollister Prep School and became a founding middle school teacher strengthening her belief in the transformative quality of education. She carried this belief into her experiences as a school leader which include being the founding vice principal of Watsonville Prep School and former interim principal of Hollister Prep School. As Navigator’s Communications Manager she hopes to highlight and amplify the powerful stories within her Navigator Schools’ communities.