Veena Rajashekar is a 2022-2023 Teach Plus Illinois Affinity Group Facilitator and is the Middle School Curriculum Specialist in Oak Park District 97. Veena has served as a Multi-Tiered System of Support School Leader, the Professional Learning Committee Co-Chair, the 2nd Grade Districtwide Facilitator, and a Diversity Council Member. Veena began her teaching career in Osaka, Japan as part of the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program. She transitioned out of the classroom to become a K-5 Instructional Coach and then a Middle School International Baccalaureate and Special Area Coordinator. Veena earned her BA in Economics with a concentration in Asian Studies at College of the Holy Cross and her MEd at Northwestern University.