Ms. Iris M. Velarde is a dedicated and accomplished educator with over 17 years of experience advancing academic excellence and student growth across diverse cultural and educational settings. Raised in Seattle, Washington, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish with a minor in International Studies from the University of Washington. She also holds a Master of Science in Education with a Bilingual Extension and Special Education focus from The City College of New York.

Iris began her educational career as a Preschool Teacher at Salam Academy in Sacramento, California, where she fostered foundational learning and social-emotional development through research-based instruction and structured play. In 2011, she was selected for the prestigious New York City Teaching Fellows program, which launched her into public education at Andries Hudde Junior High School. She later taught Special Education at Sheepshead Bay High School in Brooklyn, working with both general education and life skills students in grades 9–12, while also leading student council and yearbook initiatives.

From 2018 to 2020, Iris broadened her impact internationally as a First Grade Teacher in the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) at Advanced Learning Schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Returning to the United States, she joined Austin Achieve Elementary School in Texas, where she served in multiple leadership roles—including Grade Level Chair, Mentor Teacher, and Principal in Residence.

Ms. Velarde joined APA in 2023 as the Head of Academics for the Lower School. In addition to overseeing curriculum development, instructional planning, and teacher coaching, she teaches 6th Grade Social Studies and 7th Grade English. She is deeply committed to educational equity, instructional excellence, and nurturing a love of lifelong learning in both students and educators.