Hi, my name is Skye Fernandez. I’m a STEM educator, entrepreneur, and advocate with more than 15 years of experience across traditional and nontraditional learning environments. I was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, on the South and East sides of town. I attended Gridley Middle School and University High before earning my bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona. As a 2007 Dorrance Scholar, I studied economics, sociology, and French.
Throughout my career, I taught a wide range of subjects, including economics, secondary mathematics, physics, language acquisition, and college and career readiness. My first teaching role took me abroad to Roubaix, France, where I worked as an English language instructor and taught at multiple schools, including Lycée Averroès, one of the country’s top-performing schools. I returned to Arizona as a teaching fellow with The New Teacher Project and was placed in Roosevelt School District No. 66, in the South Mountain area of Phoenix.
I established myself as both a highly effective educator and a respected leader. In my first year alone, I helped drive an 80% increase in student math proficiency. My leadership extended beyond the classroom as well. I served as a softball and basketball coach, guitar and chess club sponsor, treasurer of the Roosevelt Education Association, teacher advocate, and member of the meet-and-confer team negotiating teacher contracts. These roles gave me a deep understanding of how district policy directly impacts classroom success.
While teaching, I pursued graduate studies at Johns Hopkins University School of Education, focusing on secondary STEM education. I also mentored the next generation of teachers through Arizona State University’s College for Teaching and Learning Innovation.
Since leaving the traditional classroom, I built an independent career as an educator, analyst, consultant, and advisor. I work with students and professionals across industries including healthcare, construction, finance, energy, mining, and forensic science. I also help students with the admissions process to prestigious academic institutions and competitive professional programs across the country.
My career has reinforced a belief I hold deeply: educators should not have to choose between doing meaningful work and achieving financial stability. I believe students thrive when schools attract, support, and retain talented educators.