Kayla Cherry is a Science Instructional Coach supporting the implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards and high-quality science instruction in Chicago schools. As a Golden Apple trained educator with experience teaching middle-grade science in Chicago Public Schools and mentoring pre-service teachers throughout the state, she invests in the continual growth of schools, helps increase student achievement, and supports teacher retention. Kayla earned a B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an M.Ed in Administration and Supervision from National Louis University. With focused feedback and practice, she believes that teachers will gain confidence and learn to leverage students’ cultures and identities within science instruction.