Tigest Adkerson is a Master’s degree and Administrative Credential candidate in the 25th cohort of the Principal Leadership Institute at UC Berkeley’s School of Education. Her educational interests include special education, program development, IEP implementation, and inclusive educational practices. Tigest is passionate about elevating special education and is prepared to bring her knowledge and expertise to the forefront of educational leadership.
She currently serves as a Program Specialist in the West Contra Costa Unified School District, where she supports and supervises special education programs across secondary schools. Tigest collaborates with teachers on IEP development and implementation, classroom management, and meeting facilitation. She also works with families to help them navigate IEP processes and advocate for their children’s needs.
Prior to this role, Tigest taught special education at the elementary level in WCCUSD. She holds a B.S. in Child and Adolescent Studies from California State University, Fullerton. Her journey in education began as a program aide in a special education classroom and as an ABA therapist, where she built a strong foundation in individualized support and behavior intervention.
An educator through and through, Tigest is dedicated to fostering inclusive and equitable opportunities for all students in her community. In her free time, she enjoys reading, crocheting, hiking, and solving puzzles—often while listening to music with her noise-canceling headphones.
