High School Workshops
David Benitez
My name is David Benitez, and I am currently in my second year as an English teacher at Elk Grove Charter School. In addition to teaching English, I also instruct classes in Independent Study, Advocacy, and Leadership. I obtained my bachelor's degree in English from UC Davis in 2020. Subsequently, I furthered my education at UC Davis to obtain my teaching credential and Master's Degree in Education. When I am not teaching, I enjoy running and spending time with my loved ones, as well as exploring various coffee shops and restaurants.
James Breakfield
I’ve been a teacher at EG Charter since 2003. I’ve taught all science courses as well as done ISP for Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior students. I’ve been the EL Cordinator for 11 years. In the past I’ve had a number of careers as a Military Police Officer, Language Interpreter (Spanish), and a Security Supervisor at a Bank. Personally, I have two teenagers and have been married for 31 years. My hobbies include anything computer based. Swimming, football, and wrestling are some of the activities I’ve been associated with. I have a BS in Computer Science, and have both a single and multiple credential. Teaching and seeing the Ah-hah moments with my students is one of the best rewards.
Josh Burt
Art has always been a part of my life. I took ceramics and photography classes when I was in High School. I attended Paso Robles High School and later Mendocino High School. I was very active in the ceramics community in Mendocino. I attended College of the Redwoods in Fort Bragg, CA and Eureka, CA, where I received my AA degree. I then transferred to Sacramento State to earn my degree in studio art. I worked as a studio potter through college and many years beyond, throwing pottery for Cloud's Porcelain in Folsom, and showing my own work in local galleries. I earned my teaching credential through San Francisco State in single subject art and started teaching at EG Charter in 2008. I have taught art and ISP at EG Charter for 13 years at this point. In the "before times" I taught digital art, digital photography, and general art. I now do my best to teach art through a computer screen, while not ideal, it is unavoidable at this time.
Tristan Church
I'm Tristan Church, a History/Social Science teacher at Elk Grove Charter. I teach 7th-11th grades and have been at Elk Grove Charter for 3 years now. When I'm not in the classroom, I'm reading, gardening, cooking, or playing video games.
Alli Conway
Alli Conway is in her 9th year of teaching Mathematics and her 6th year teaching at Elk Grove Charter. She attended Sacramento State and National University earning her single subject teaching credential with a Master’s Degree in Math Education. She was inspired by all the wonderful math teachers she had to teach math and inspire other kids to enjoy math as much as she did. When she is not teaching you can find her baking/cooking or spending time with her husband and farm animals.
Madina Daudi
Madina Daudi
Spanish Teacher
916-714-1653
mdaudi@egusd.net
Madina Daudi has been working in education for nearly two decades. She has a Master's Degree in Spanish Literature, Linguistics, and Civilization. She has worked with both middle school and high school students, giving instruction in all levels of Spanish. In the classroom, she enjoys encouraging students to believe that they are capable of learning a new language, and developing all the necessary skills to become experts and professionals in whichever field they choose. In her free time, she enjoys exercising, being in nature, watching documentaries and foreign films, and spending time with friends and family.
Andy Fan
Andy Fan is a Math teacher at Elk Grove Charter School. He went to UC Davis and received his single- subject teaching credential from National University. He currently teaches Math 7 and Math 1. He was inspired by the students that he tutors and enjoys helping students learn how Math can apply in their lives. He enjoys video games and swimming whenever he is not teaching.
Timothy Moore
2024-2025 is the start of my 6th year as a math teacher, all of them at Elk Grove Charter School. I have always liked (and borderline loved) numbers and I hope to infect some of that love with students. The graphics, formulas, tables, and raw numbers are so interesting & describe so much. I specifically enjoy statistics and functions, but, it's not exclusive.
I have a family of 4 other people. My wife Natasha, is also an educator & teaches at Florin High. My twin daughters graduated from Elk Grove High School in 2024, and my son Seamus is 9 years old, and doing his thing in fourth grade. My main hobbies are lifting weights and going on holiday. If you mix the two, then you have the perfect weekend. Seriously, I really do like visiting gyms in different cities. I've figured I have visited something in the ballpark of 150 different gyms. I also like to visit art museums, especially impressionist exhibits. I am a sucker for late 1800 Impressionist paintings. Monet & Sisley are probably my favorite. It may sound cliche, but Sunday Afternoon (A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte) on by Seurat or Nympheas (housed in Le Musee de I'Orangerie) by Monet are my favorite.
Melissa Wade
Melissa Wade
Advocacy/ISP Teacher
916-714-1653 x 51023
Advocacy/ISP Teacher
916-714-1653 x 51023
I have been teaching for 15 years, this is year 10 for me at Elk Grove Charter. I currently teach 7th grade Advocacy, 9th grade health/ geography and 9th grade college and career. I also teach 11th and 12th grade Independent Study. I love teaching at Elk Grove Charter because of how individualized our instruction is to meet all student needs. When I am not here I enjoy spending time with my husband and 3 kids.
