Claudia Koochek | |
|---|---|
| Born | El Salvador |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Bachelor's in Psychology Master of Arts Credential in Special Education |
| Occupation | Educator |
| Years active | 1990s–present |
| Employer | Westmark School |
| Known for | Advocacy for language-based learning differences Head of School at Westmark School |
| Website | Westmark bio |
Claudia Koochek is an American educator and advocate specializing in language-based learning differences. She has served as the Head of School at Westmark School in Encino, California, since 2015.
Koochek was born and raised in El Salvador. She began her career teaching students with visual impairments and multiple disabilities. At the age of 21, she relocated to the United States. Koochek holds a bachelor's degree in psychology, a Master of Arts degree, and a credential in special education. [1]
Koochek spent two decades at Charles Armstrong School in Belmont, California, where she served in various roles, including Head of School. [1] In 2015, she became the Head of School at Westmark School, an independent school serving grades 2–12 for students with diagnosed language-based learning differences. [2]
She is known for her advocacy of neurodiverse learners and has led initiatives in teacher training, curricular development, and community outreach. She has also worked closely with researchers to organize workshops for educators and families. [3]
Founded in 1983 and originally named Landmark West School, Westmark School is a private, college preparatory institution located in Encino, California. It serves students in grades 2 through 12 with diagnosed language-based learning differences, including dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia. The school's mission is to educate, empower, and celebrate students with distinct learning styles, providing them with the tools necessary to achieve successful and fulfilling futures. [4]
Westmark employs a research-based curriculum and multimodal, multisensory instruction tailored to each learner. The school was among the first in the Los Angeles area to provide iPads to all students, integrating technology to enhance learning experiences. [2]
Koochek is a co-founder of the UCSF Dyslexia Center and has served on boards including:
She is also involved with:
Koochek enjoys walking her Rhodesian Ridgeback, Suede, with her husband, Joe, and listening to dyslexia-related podcasts. [2]