Lai Saeteurn, Director of Schools

(707) 552- 6482

lsaeteurn@mitacademy.org

It is my honor and privilege to serve the students, staff, and families of the MIT learning community. I have held various roles in public education at the site and district levels. My educational career started as a high school English teacher. I also taught mathematics at both the middle and high school levels. I earned my administrative credential while serving as a curriculum and instructional coach and quickly transitioned into administration. After taking time off to be a mother, I returned as a classroom teacher. Before coming to GTA, I taught mathematics at a Marin County middle school for five years. I’ve had the opportunity to learn and work with different communities across the state of California. It has strengthened my resolve to serve a community through the lens of its people. 

This is my 6th year as an administrator at GTA. I am circling back to serving both the schools, middle and high. As the Director of Schools, my time is split between Mare Island Technology Academy (grades 6 - 8) and MIT Academy (grades 9-12). When I came to Griffin Technology Academies five years ago, it took me a bit of time to sort out the school names. The middle school was established in 1999. Its name is in long form with all four words spelled out. Even though it is confusing, I can appreciate how the high school took on a short and abbreviated form of the name to create a sense of belonging and ONE community. Of course, this is my interpretation. The founders of our charter schools are active members of the Vallejo community as well as within the GTA organization. I encourage all of us to ask questions and to learn more about our history. 

In the spirit of “We Are One,”  I am excited that we will all show up and take our seats at the table to design and build a 6-12 learning experience that fosters curiosity and a passion to pursue excellence. Our lived experiences shape our views of the past, our actions in the present, and our hopes for the future. Each of us made a conscientious and informed choice to be part of the MIT family. Voice and choice distinguish a public charter school from other public schools. You have researched our schools and are committed to our code of conduct:

1. SAFETY: Practice patience and kindness. Do not hurt and harm.
2. OWNERSHIP: Take responsibility for your actions. Be intentional and purposeful with your time.
3. ACHIEVEMENT: Be persistent. Take initiative and have follow-through.
4. RESPECT: Treat others as you would want to be treated. Walk in their shoes.

I frequently amplify the mantra, “You chose to be at MIT. This choice comes with a commitment to follow school policies and expectations.” We love that our students and families have chosen MITA that focuses intensely on not only preparing students to be college-ready, but also giving students a college experience. We believe our students can and will earn. We kindly ask parents and caregivers to engage with their students and with us more than ever. 

It was many years ago when I wandered around a Merced Community College looking for a drinking fountain and happened upon a flyer and realized that I could sign up for college classes as a high school student. I managed to navigate through the college enrollment process without family support since my parents did not speak English. I started taking night and summer classes. I am thankful to the strangers who went above and beyond to help me out. Looking back in hindsight, I am amazed and awed that no one closed the door on me. Anyone of them could have just told that immigrant, refugee, and unaccompanied girl, “no,” but they did not. It is this level of humanity that drives me to give my best and to rally our team to give their best to each and every student. I invite you to learn and grow with us in supporting our students in and through college so that success is not by chance but by design.

Liz Saldana, Site Director

(707) 552- 6482, Option 3

lsaldana@mitacademy.org

Welcome to Mare Island Technology (MIT) Middle School! Education has always had a special place in my heart, especially coming from a family of educators and I am very excited for the upcoming school year! I have been in education for over 20 years. The majority of my experience has been teaching mathematics at MIT Middle School. I’ve worn many other hats, including leading our Independent Study Program, coordinating the summer school program, and serving as a Teacher-in-Charge/Interim administrator. 

I have lived in the Bay Area all of my life and consider myself pretty much a Vallejo native. Having moved from El Cerrito to Vallejo when I was in fourth grade, I attended Steffan Manor Elementary School, Springstowne Junior High, and graduated from Hogan Senior High School. My two sons have also attended Vallejo public schools. Outside of school, I love spending time with my family and fur babies, as well as traveling! I also love watching Bollywood movies and teaching Bollywood/Indian dance!

I received my BA in Human Relations from Golden Gate University and my M.Ed. in Cross-Cultural Teaching from National University. I am a life-long learner and still pursuing advanced education.

Creating an environment conducive to learning is very important to me. I bring commitment, passion, and care in my pursuit to positively impact the lives of ALL students in a safe and nurturing environment. I love helping students to see things through a variety of lenses and thrive! Watching our students transform and blossom from middle school to high school and beyond has been such an amazing experience. Some of our past graduates have even gone from being one of my students to becoming one of my peers! 

What I appreciate most about Vallejo is its diversity! I am very proud to represent the Vallejo community and to be a part of the Griffin Technology/MIT Middle School family. I look forward to connecting with you all soon!