Lisa DeCastro

Lisa DeCastro serves as an Assistant Professor of Professional at the University of Missouri’s College of Education and Human Development and holds the position of Elementary Coordinator at Mizzou Academy. With extensive classroom experience teaching Kindergarten and first grade in Oakland, California, she bridges practical K-12 pedagogy with academic leadership in elementary education. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, she actively shapes curriculum development and teacher support systems for online elementary programs.

Her educational background includes:

• Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Mathematics
• Multiple Subject California Teaching Credential with English Learner Authorization
• Certification in Project GLAD (Guided Language Acquisition Design)
• Online Teaching Certification from the University of Missouri (2024)

DeCastro’s scholarly focus centers on integrating experiential learning—such as cooking, gardening, sports, and art—into foundational literacy and numeracy instruction to foster holistic development in young learners. She champions culturally responsive frameworks that empower elementary students as agents of social change, emphasizing multilingual acquisition and compassionate community building through interdisciplinary approaches.

Her leadership at Mizzou Academy involves spearheading early elementary curriculum design, mentoring educators, and cultivating collaborative networks among teaching staff to enhance program quality. While no formal research grants or scientific awards are documented in the source material, her work directly impacts pedagogical innovation in virtual elementary education settings.

As a dedicated member of the College of Education and Human Development, DeCastro leverages her bilingual capabilities and Project GLAD expertise to advance inclusive practices for diverse learners, particularly within Spanish-speaking communities, while balancing her academic role with family life in California.