About Bernadette
Bernadette has taken her passion and drive for supporting the earliest learners outside of the walls of TK and into an adult setting, focusing on Bay Area Preschool, TK and Kindergarten teachers. She was an early literacy specialist, educator coach, program specialist and Preschool/ TK professional development provider with SEEDS of Early Learning. She currently is cultivating a multilingual learner pathway within Oakland Unified that bridges PreK-2nd grade. She works also as an Adjunct Professor of Early Childhood at Chabot College in Hayward. She has presented at a national education conference on research focusing on dual language immersion in early education, and she continues to research new, effective ways to support home language as an asset.
Bernadette’s drive and determination for early education and transformational change has led her to pursue humanizing education in early education while working on her doctorate at Mills College.
What People are Saying
“She is extremely clear, organized and thoughtful in her communication and facilitation, reading the room and being responsive to engagement, questions, etc. I have also seen her relentless drive for improving her practice in order to provide the best possible education and experience for the teachers, families, and tutors she supports.”
— Lisa Holt, Interventionist Specialist Bay Area
“Learning with Bernadette Pilar Zermeño is a gift. She is incredibly engaging, connects theory to practice, and leads with equity. As an early childhood teacher and adult learning facilitator, she models the power of connection, intention, and growth. I'm grateful for each opportunity to be in community with Bernadette.”
— Dana Cilono, FluentSeeds National Director
“Bernadette Pilar Zermeno is an expert in early literacy foundations, social emotional support, building relationships with students, teachers and families, and in dual language. As a trainer she brings energy, knowledge and excitement to the work. She listens with her whole heart, which makes her participants feel seen, heard and confident."
-Emily Grunt, FluentSeeds Program Coordinator
EDUCATION | CERTIFICATIONS
Doctorate in Educational Leadership , Mills College, 2021
Educational Leadership with an Emphasis on Early Childhood Leadership
Master of Arts in Education, University of California, Berkeley, May 2009
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. Spanish BCLAD Exam Passed. Developmental Teacher Education Program
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Minor in Education, University of California, Berkeley, May 2007
Associations of Arts, Chabot College, Hayward, June 2005
Early Childhood Generalist Certification, National Board Certification (NBPTS), 2014
“Of Course She Will Learn,” Written by Reyes & Zermeno, Published on Academia, 2018
BOARD APPOINTMENTS | fellowships | AFFILIATIONS
Advisory Board Member (2021-Present), Forest & Tree
Board Member (2017-Present); Treasure (2019-Present), California Kindergarten Association 2017 – Present
Member, Lead East Bay 2017 – 2020
Member, The Alianza de Hayward 1995 – Present
Leadership Fellow, Surge Institute 2017 – 2018
Emerging Leaders Program, New Leaders 2016 – 2017
Member, Educate 78 Teacher Advisory Group 2016 – 2017
HONORS | AWARDS
Soroptimist Fellowship Award March 2021
Exchange Leadership Award Aug 2020
Awarded 4.0 Essentials Grant for Family Development Aug 2017
Mills Newcomer Scholars Aug 2016
New Leaders Winner May 2016
Fishman Prize for Superlative Classroom Practice Honor Roll Jan 2016
Educate 78 Teacher Advisory Group Winner Jan 2016
Awarded Luna Dance Institute Aug 2013
Awarded Fund for Teachers: Mathematics in The City Training, New York Jul 2012
Awarded Hispanic Scholarship Jun 2009
Personalized trainings to elevate teacher skills that benefit children, families, and educators in your community.
connect with me
I am available for consultations to go over how my program can work for you!