Rafael del Castillo

Visiting Assistant Professor

Email: rdelcastillo@plu.edu

Office Location: Hauge Administration Building - 121

  • Professional
  • Biography

Education

  • B.S.E., Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, 1985
  • M.S., Science Education, Florida International University, 1992
  • Post-Grad. Studies, Educational Research, University of Miami/University of Washington, 1997-2001

Areas of Emphasis or Expertise

  • Science Education
  • Mathematics Education
  • Educational Leadership

Biography

Rafael is a Visiting Professor teaching educational methods in science and social studies, integration of technology, and an integrating seminar in the undergraduate and graduate-level teacher education programs. He serves as a board member of Impact Public Schools and Cristo Rey Jesuit Seattle High School. He is also serving as Interim Executive Director of the Kids Discovery Museum (KiDiMu) on Bainbridge Island.

Rafael recently “rewired” after 40 years as a classroom teacher in the US, Spain, and Czechia and as an educational leader. Most recently, Rafael served as Executive Director of a college access non-profit in Seattle and Tacoma, Rainier Scholars. Before that, he was head of two independent schools: Seattle Girls’ School (Grades 5-8) and Bertschi School (Grades PreK-5).

Rafael believes that teaching and learning in the world we live in has to begin with the conviction that we are preparing young people for their future and not our past.