Lake Washington School District is pleased to announce the selection of Pablo Ortega as its Director of Equity and Family Engagement. Mr. Ortega is currently the English Language Learner (ELL) and World Languages Program Director for Des Moines Public Schools.

Pablo Ortega is the son of Mexican immigrants. He was born and raised in the City of Chicago. He is a product of the Chicago Public Schools. After working in the corporate and government sector in various human resources leadership positions, Mr. Ortega switched careers and became a middle school math teacher for ELL students. He later served as a middle school principal for Aspira Charter Schools in Chicago. Mr. Ortega brings with him experience as a bilingual instructional leader with deep expertise in instruction for English language learners, having been one himself.

Mr. Ortega has a School Administrator/Superintendent endorsement from Lewis University and Drake University, a master’s degree in Education focusing on ELL and Secondary Mathematics from Quincy University, and a bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from DePaul University. He is currently in the dissertation phase of a doctoral degree from Drake University.

As the new Director of Equity and Family Engagement for Lake Washington Schools, Mr. Ortega will continue to expand his personal mission to drive equitable results for all students regardless of race, ethnicity, socio-economic factors, gender, or English language abilities.