Convention 2024

Michelle Semrad Barrera, M.Ed, M.fA

Michelle Semrad Barrera loves the messiness of play and the constant discovery. She holds a master’s in education from the University of California Los Angeles and a master’s of fine arts from the California Institute of the Arts. She is a former K12 teacher, early literacy and writing coach, and school consultant. After years of championing a student-directed approach as opposed to a rewards and punishment, teacher-directed and one-size-fits-all system of education, she discovered the true meaning and wonder of teaching and learning through play, the work of childhood, and in teaching and learning side by side with families. For Michelle, this is the core of the work: supporting all types of families with all types of children in healthy social-emotional development, while trusting children to know the work they need to do. Michelle is a sought after presenter throughout the state on play and early childhood development.