High-Impact Teaching
​Redefining charter education

ICEF Public Schools and View Park High School accelerate learning methods thanks to our High-Impact Teachers (HIT), who deliver exceptional classroom instruction in various subjects while serving as teacher leaders across ICEF’s multi-school network. These talented instructors have a profound impact on the charter school model and aim to redefine the vision of success in public school education. 

Meet our H.I.T. Teachers

Carmen Arteaga
​​An eighth grade Math and Science instructor at ICEF Vista Academy, Ms. Arteaga earned her undergraduate degree from UC Santa Barbara, with a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Phoenix.  As a HIT instructor, her goal is "to inspire students to become confident, curious learners who feel empowered to take on challenges, both in academics and in life. I want my classroom to be a safe space where students feel encouraged to ask questions, take risks, and grow both academically and personally. I hope to help all students see themselves as future scientists, engineers, problem-solvers and leaders." ​
Kiley Leshin
Ms. Leshin teaches 6th grade Math and P.E. at ICEF Vista Academy Middle School. A graduate of UC San Diego with a Master's from San Diego State, she is entering her seventh year with ICEF. Her goal as a HIT instructor is "to help students recognize their potential, rise to academic challenges, and develop the skills and confidence needed for long-term success."
Carla Melgar
​A fourth grade at ICEF Vista Elementary in ELA, Social Studies, and Writing, Ms. Melgar earned her Bachelor's degree (Liberal Studies) at Cal State Long Beach, and later graduated from LMU with a Master's in Urban Studies. As an ICEF HIT instructor, she hopes to "create a classroom environment that makes learning both fun and rigorous for all students, where people walk into and immediately feel like great things are happening. I also aim to inspire my colleagues by showing that success is possible when we stay hopeful and focused on what really matters."​
Daquan Owens
​A 4th grade instructor at ICEF Innovation, Mr. Owens teaches math, history, and science. He earned a Master’s degree in Education and has strong interest in developing STEM curriculum and promoting equity in learning. He is passionate about helping students understand complex ideas in ways that are clear, engaging, and relevant to their lives, and as a HIT instructor he hopes to "spark curiosity and build confidence in students as they explore tech, problem-solving, and teamwork."
Ashley Peper-Perez
​​A multi-discipline 4th grade teacher at ICEF Inglewood Elementary Charter Academy, Ms. Peper-Perez earned her Bachelors' Degree and teaching credential at Cal State University Dominguez Hills, with a Masters' Degree in Teacher Leadership from Brandeis University. As a HIT instructor, she seeks to create "a safe, inclusive, and engaging classroom where all students feel valued and supported, developing critical thinking, resilience, and a love of learning."
Brenda Salvatierra
​​Ms. Salvatierra earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Marymount California University before adding a Master's in Art of Teaching from USC. She aims to "empower colleagues by modeling high-impact instructional strategies that center student voice and equity. Through collaborative coaching and classroom visits, I’ll support teachers in applying these methods, strengthening our collective capacity to engage every learner and close achievement gaps.​"
Erica Tokirio
A math instructor at ICEF Vista Middle Academy, Ms. Tokirio is a graduate of the University of Michigan (Secondary Math Education) and recently completed a Diversity in Leadership Principals of Color Fellowship at LMU. As a HIT instructor, she hopes to "push students to recognize their full potential, become critical thinkers, and develop a lifelong passion for learning. I want my students to walk away believing that they matter, that their voices are powerful, and that they are capable of making a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond." ​
Tina White
​​Mrs. White is the Resource Specialist Program Teacher for TK-5th grade at ICEF
Innovation LA. She previously completed her Masters of Education and Special Education credential at Mount Saint Mary’s College as a 4th grade teacher. As an ICEF HIT instructor, she "hopes to make a sound difference in the lives of educators and students to motivate them to successfully grow in their knowledge, skills, and mindset."​

"Education is the passport to the future,
for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”

- MALCOLM X

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