Get to Know Tina Toval: Lead Facilitator at iLEAD Hybrid at the Acton Studio
From her early days as a founding facilitator in 2008 to her current role as Lead Educational Facilitator, Tina Toval has been a cornerstone of the iLEAD community. As both an experienced educator and an independent study mom, she brings passion, heart, and experience to her work every day. Read on to learn more about Tina’s journey, her vision for leadership, and a few fun facts about her life outside of school!
Please tell us about your background and how you came to be at iLEAD Hybrid – Acton.
I’ve been fortunate to work for iLead since it’s founding year in 2008. I was a 4th and 5th grade facilitator at our founding school for several years and then moved my way into administration. When iLead wanted to start a new independent study program, I was asked to help develop it, and couldn’t be more thrilled.
What is your role at iLEAD Hybrid – Acton? What’s the best part about it?
At iLEAD Hybrid Acton, I’m the Lead Educational Facilitator. I get to support the EFs, coach facilitators, assist our school director with administrative responsibilities, and continue working behind the scenes to help continue developing and perfecting our awesome program. The best part about this role is, hands down, working alongside the most amazing, passionate, and hardworking group of educators I’ve ever come across. That, along with having the pleasure of interacting with and supporting our fantastic learners and families, I’m just convinced I have the best job in the world.
What do you LOVE about iLEAD Hybrid – Acton? What sets it apart from other schools?
Our incredible team and and the way they go above and beyond to support our families always amazes me. Our program has also worked so hard to establish a strong sense of community with our families, and it absolutely shows. Our team and our families really come together, have formed lasting relationships, and welcome others with open arms. I just love it!
Are you involved in other activities (e.g. clubs, tutoring, community engagement) at iLEAD Hybrid – Acton? If not, what are some events you enjoy at iLEAD Hybrid – Acton?
I love all our meet ups and field trips! My son and I have so much fun with our homeschool community and as a teacher and a parent, I’m so thankful for that. Presentations of Learning are also a blast, along with our iLead annual events like our Multicultural Day, Fall Festival, Winter celebrations, and End of the Year extravaganzas!
In your opinion, what makes a great leader?
A great leader is someone who listens, has an open mind, advocates for their team, and leads with heart, kindness and integrity.
There are great social-emotional learning activities/opportunities at iLEAD Hybrid – Acton. Can you share a story about seeing learners using them in action (or yourself)?
I absolutely love seeing our multiage workshops in action. Seeing our 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade learners helping a kindergartener or 1st grader with something in class is so beautiful! It’s such a natural and organic experience and it truly encompasses what we try to teach and exactly what we value at iLead.
What does a day in your school life look like (pick a day, any day…or a composite of a day)?
As a working and homeschooling mom, a typical day for me is definitely nonstop! I wake up early in the morning to get my own alone time to drink coffee in silence, read, workout, and then tackle my day! We do some homeschooling work and lessons in the morning, and then my workday starts with meetings, collaborations, observations, planning, IEPs, endless problem-solving fun. 😉 On days that I’m at our workshops, my son and I get to go to school together and I assist with administrative duties on campus, and support workshops by leading morning meetings, and working with small groups.
Please name three to five fun/interesting facts about you. Extra credit for lots of details.
- I just got married in May! My husband and I originally met at iLEAD over 10 years ago, although we didn’t really talk much. We reconnected after Covid and after he had already left iLEAD to work in another district.
- I was a frequent marathon runner for several years! These days my hips cant really take the impact anymore (yay for aging), but I still love a good sweat session each day!
- I am a big book nerd! I love reading everyday and am always looking for my next favorite book. So, send all your recommendations my way!
We are so grateful to have a dedicated leader like Tina supporting our families every day. Be sure to say hello the next time you see her on campus or at an upcoming event!