ESL Department gets new leader

Truong came to the United States in 1975 as a refugee from Vietnam, enrolling in PPS as a high school student. In 1983, she became a receptionist for the ESL/Bilingual Program. She advanced to secretary, paraprofessional and community agent.

She graduated from the Portland Teacher Program and taught high school ESL, art and French, and was a teacher on special assignment in the ESL Department before earning her administrative license.
 
Truong served as assistant principal of Binnsmead Middle School and vice principal of Franklin High School, becoming principal at Mt. Tabor Middle School in 2006. Under her leadership, more than 90 percent of Tabor students met or exceeded AYP targets in math, reading and science.

Currently, Truong is the assistant director of Secondary Curriculum and Instruction, where she has been instrumental in supporting district implementation of the Common Core State Standards and Essential Skills for high school graduation, as well International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement, Science Technology Engineering Math Initiative (STEM) and Business Education Compact programs, the GEAR UP grant rollout and implementation of the new middle level science SEPUP adoption.

Truong has bachelor’s degrees in applied linguistics and French and a master’s degree in education from Portland State University. She has also served as an adjunct professor in PSU’s Education Department.

"Van’s diversity of experience uniquely qualifies her to lead this department at this time," Superintendent Carole Smith says. "I am excited she has agreed to take this job. Please join me in congratulating her."

At Portland Public Schools, this is our goal: By the end of elementary, middle, and high school, every student by name will meet or exceed academic standards and will be fully prepared to make productive life decisions. For more information on Portland Public Schools, call 503-916-3304, e-mail us at pubinfo@pps.net, or visit www.pps.k12.or.us. Portland Public Schools is an equal opportunity educator and employer.