Dr. Truong's ability to work across division, race and class lines allows her to bring innovative projects to fruition. She hopes to use her compassionate, inclusive leadership to continue to revolutionize education in the public space.
Van led the creation of MakerSpaces, which allow students to a hands-on exploration of STEAM concepts. They are equipped with computing devices, laser cutters and 3D printers. MakerSpaces pilioted in three high schools and a K-8 school. She continues to support MakerSpaces and Techsmart initiatives throughout the district.
Dr. Truong started her career at Portland Public Schools (PPS) as a secretary, then moved on to teaching French, art, and ESL. Since then, she has been Vice Principal at Franklin High School, Principal at Mt. Tabor Middle School, Assistant Director of Secondary Instruction, Senior Director of English as Second Language Program, and Executive Director of Teaching and Learning at PPS. During her tenure, PPS achieved its highest graduation rate in more than 15 years. PPS is a PK-12 urban school district in Portland, Oregon that serves more than 49,000 students in 78 schools, making it one of the largest school districts in the Pacific Northwest.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF TEACHING AND LEARNING (OTL)
Dr. Truong was responsible for overseeing the following departments with a department budget of $150 million:
- Instruction/Curriculum and Assessment
- Talented and Gifted (TAG)
- International Baccalaureate (IB)
- Advanced Placement (AP)
- English as Second Language (ESL)
- Dual Language
- Special Education
- AVID, an individualized college readiness program
Dr. Truong led monthly leadership professional development for building and district administrators. She also expanded the district’s dual-language programs to include five languages, Spanish, Japanese, Russian, Mandarin and Vietnamese.
Van was involved in several district committees:
- Bond and Modernization
- District Boundaries Advisory
- Budget and Staffing
- Multi-tiered Support System/Early Warning System
- PK-16 Collaboration Steering Committee
- K-12 Quality Assessment Framework
- Technology
- Oregon ELLC
- Educational Options Steering Committee
DISTRICT- AND CITY-WIDE HIGHLIGHTS:
During her tenure as a building and central administrator, PPS has achieved its highest graduation rate in 15 years.
Revamped ESL programs at Portland Public Schools. As the program director, Dr. Truong brought the department into compliance with state and federal laws for the first time in 18 years.
Involved in a district-wide strategic planning committee to create a new mission and vision.
Helped develop Content Based Model for English Immersion, which laid the foundation for new ELP standards later adopted by the Oregon Department of Education.
Her work on the Portland International Scholars Academy also brought success to newly arrival ESL students (Newcomers).
Developed the International Youth Leadership Conference Council (IYLC), which develop leadership skills in students while honoring their racial, cultural and linguistic assets. The IYLC produces Gates Millennium Scholars every year, as well as a multitude of college and university scholarship awardees.
Honored in 2015 as one of 17 Community Freedom Fighters for her contributions to the local community to promote civil rights of various races, cultures and religions.
SCHOOL-LEVEL HIGHLIGHTS:
Closed racial and class achievement gaps in four years and received distinguished awards from the Black Parent Initiative and Chalkboard Project as principal at Mt. Tabor Middle School.
Modeled sustainability solutions through the creation of a rainwater collection garden on one of the school’s parking lots. The Mt. Tabor Middle School Rainwater Garden received a Design Honor Award from the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) in 2007.
The Japanese dual-language program was commended by the Japanese Foreign Minister for improving friendly relations between Japan and the United States during Dr. Truong's principalship at Mt. Tabor Middle School.