Teaching and Learning Leadership Team
Laura Kintz – PK-5 Director of Teaching and Learning
Laura’s dedication to students and families in public education began as an elementary teacher. She taught 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades after graduating from Eastern Oregon University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and an Early Childhood Specialization.
Laura is committed to equity and inclusion and to all students succeeding in the classroom. She attended Lewis and Clark College and earned a Masters of Arts in Teaching, Language and Literacy Endorsement, and a Principal License as well as a Professional Educator License. Laura served as a Title 1 Reading Coach for five years in Hillsboro before becoming the principal at Alberta Rider Elementary School in the Tigard Tualatin School District. Laura was principal at ARE for six years before moving to Southern California for another six years where she served as a principal and Director of Elementary Education. She has instructed in graduate programs in Educational Leadership and Early Childhood Education in Center EDX through UCSB and Lewis and Clark College.
Laura is excited and proud to serve as PreK-5 Director of Teaching and Learning in the Tigard Tualatin School District. She thrives on learning new things and assisting others to achieve their academic and professional goals.
Amber Fields – 6-12 Director of Teaching and Learning
Amber's passion for education took root as a high school ELA teacher in Seattle, WA, after graduating from the University of Washington and earning a master's from Seattle University. Driven by a deep commitment to students, families, and the community, she became a program director, ensuring that every student could graduate, no matter their circumstances. Her journey then led her to become an administrator, first in Seattle and then in Oregon, where she took on a role at Tigard High School. Amber's expertise in secondary education systems and college and career readiness naturally propelled her to the position of Director of Secondary Schools/Programs, where she oversaw principals and Measure 98 initiatives. In this exciting new role, she will continue that work and oversee all secondary teaching and learning initiatives. Amber is thrilled to take on this new challenge, believing that the heart of student success is in the classroom. She looks forward to advancing equity, providing every student with opportunities and access along with meaningful, rigorous instruction, and ensuring that teachers, staff, and families feel welcomed and experience a strong sense of belonging in all schools and classrooms.
Paul Verstraete – District Assessment Coordinator
Paul Verstraete is the District Assessment Coordinator for the Tigard-Tualatin School District, where he is responsible for overseeing the administration and interpretation of district assessments and providing support and professional development to teachers. He has a strong background in education, with degrees in Educational Technology, Teaching and Curriculum, and Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science from Michigan State University, as well as post-bachelor certificates in Brain Targeted Teaching and Internet Application Development. Prior to his current role, Paul has worked as a teacher, instructional facilitator, and coordinator of absenteeism reduction, and is passionate about using data and assessments to improve student learning and achievement.