Socorro Chavez
Ms. Socorro Chavez is very proud to call Tehachapi, CA, her hometown. The house in which she grew up is the second oldest house in Tehachapi and is part of the town’s historic walking tour. Despite her attachment to her hometown, Ms. Chavez peeled herself away in order to attend UCSB where she earned her bachelor’s in Chicano Studies with an emphasis in Education.
As one of IV School’s most experienced teachers, Ms. Chavez can credibly state that she loves the IV School community. Without bias, she states that IV has the best students, parents, and staff.
When not teaching, Ms. Chavez enjoys hikes with family and friends, as well as traveling and meeting new people. In addition, she also enjoys a good book. Lastly, she’s a devotee of the New Orleans Saints.
STEPHANIE VO
Known for her warm classroom energy and love of building community, Ms. Vo brings both heart and humor to her teaching. She deeply values the rich diversity of families she serves, the supportive school community, and the opportunity to nurture a genuine love of learning in her students. Creating a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment is at the center of her practice, and she strives to help every child grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
Ms. Vo earned her B.A. in Sociology, with an emphasis on race and multicultural identities, from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2013. Before returning to UCSB for her Master’s in Education, she spent several years living in Hawai‘i and working in the fashion and human resources industries. These experiences strengthened her appreciation for diverse perspectives and her passion for supporting others in their growth.
Outside of the classroom, Ms. Vo enjoys cooking and experimenting with new recipes. She loves spending time with her Jack Russell/Dachshund mix, Ozzy Pawsbourne, who is always ready for an adventure. She also writes children’s books and finds endless inspiration in the curiosity and creativity of her students.
Mary Jean Valadez
Ms. Valadez has served as a teacher in multiple grades, including kinder and first at Isla Vista Elementary School in the Goleta Union School District.
She brings to her role dedication and consistency, helping to provide a stable and caring learning environment for her students in early elementary grades. As part of the Island Vista community, Ms. Valadez supports the school’s commitment to educational excellence and student growth, academically, socially, and emotionally.
As a member of the Isla Vista staff, she contributes to a school community that values diversity, inclusion, and collaboration among families, students, and educators.