Alissa Nakaji is a Master’s degree and Administrative Services Credential candidate in the 25th cohort of the Principal Leadership Institute at UC Berkeley’s School of Education. Her academic interests include a commitment to equity, social- emotional learning, community engagement, and culturally responsive education to empower students’ identities and amplify their voices.
Alissa currently teaches 4th grade at Sunset Elementary in the San Francisco Unified School District, where she has taught for over a decade. A strong advocate for social-emotional learning and culturally sustaining pedagogy, she integrates diverse literature, fosters collaborative discussion, and organizes school- wide events that foster authentic learning and community connections. Her professional growth is rooted in collaboration, reflective practice, and a steadfast belief in the power of public education.
Prior to her PLI work, Alissa earned her B.A. in Child and Adolescent Development and teaching credential from San Francisco State University. She is also a National Board Certified Teacher in Literacy: Reading–Language Arts. At her school Alissa is on the Instructional Leadership Team, serves as the VAPA coordinator, and is the Lead of the Scheduling Committee.
Outside the classroom, Alissa enjoys baking, international travel, photography, and exploring new cuisine from around the world. She looks forward to growing as an equity-driven school leader through the Principal Leadership Institute and to help shape inclusive school communities where all students and educators thrive.
