MARIA ISABEL LÓPEZ

 Maria Isabel López is a career educator with longstanding roots in the city of Long Beach. A proud alumni of the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD), Maria Isabel attended elementary and middle schools in the West side of Long Beach and graduated from Long Beach Poly High. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from UCLA where she graduated with departmental and Latin honors and received her Master's in Education degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. 

After graduating from Harvard University, she began her teaching career with LBUSD. Since then, Maria Isabel has assumed several roles within the field of education including teacher, Teaching and Learning Specialist, English Learner Consultant, Educational Consultant and administrator. She was named Teacher of the Year while working for the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District and was selected to present best classroom practices at the district level. Maria Isabel also worked on curriculum for English Learners (ELs) and has created thematic plans for elementary schools. Additionally, Maria Isabel has consulted with high needs public schools in Los Angeles Unified (LAUSD) and Compton Unified School Districts.

Given her personal experience and professional trajectory, Maria Isabel is deeply committed to education and is an advocate for equity, including enhancing opportunity outcomes for English learners and students with learning differences. She is also a proponent of programs designed to enrich the experiences for gifted students and curriculum that supports high achievement for all students. A CIC alumni and parent, Maria Isabel understands that specialized programs are instrumental in preparing students for college, career, and beyond. Maria Isabel firmly believes that all students can succeed when provided with the appropriate programs, resources and guidance.

The wife of an LBUSD educator, Maria Isabel recognizes the instrumental role that teachers play in the growth and development of their students. She understands the daily struggles faced by teachers in LBUSD and is passionate about supporting them in the classroom. She also supports a safe and inclusive working environment for teachers, as well as a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students.

Maria Isabel and her husband live in Bixby Knolls with their three daughters and dog Snickers. Their oldest graduated from LBUSD and UCLA while their middle child is a third year student at UCLA majoring in Labor Studies. Their youngest attends an LBUSD high school and plans to enroll in a four-year university following graduation. All three played soccer and ran cross country for their high school.

Maria Isabel López has over two decades of experience working in and out of the classroom. She understands the obstacles that students and teachers face in the classroom as well as the administrative policies and practices that need to be implemented in order to bridge the educational gaps for all students. Maria looks forward to continuing serving and supporting LBUSD students, teachers, and the Long Beach community in her role as School Board Member for Area 1.