Audra Mesa, the Literacy and Language Coordinator for the Orange County Department of Education, works with educators and school districts to support their efforts in literacy, foundational skills, and English language development. With over twenty years of experience, Audra is passionate about people, equity, and professional learning. She is especially inspired by the work of instructional coaching as job-embedded professional development and a powerful tool to shift instructional practices. Her work as a teacher, reading specialist, and literacy coach has given her classroom experience, knowledge of instructional strategies, and a real talent for making connections with others. She carries a B.A. in Diplomacy and World Affairs from Occidental College and an M.A.Ed. in Reading Instruction with a Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential from Loyola Marymount University.