About.

Generations of Knowledge: Innovating Forward
Community Collaborative

Image Credits: 
​Paula Intravaia, Graphic Design

District Design 2022

In Del Mar Union, we believe in igniting genius and empowering students to advance the world. The way we inspire genius is by delivering high-quality learning experiences. These experiences are embedded in standards, infused with the “Skills that Matter Most,” and inspired by flexible learning environments. We use Design Thinking to help students solve complex problems confidently and creatively.

Community Collaborative

During the 2017-2018 school year, the Del Mar Union School District launched a new five-year strategic plan focused on transforming teaching and learning practices. It is our goal as members of the Design and Innovation team to support all stakeholders (parents, staff members, community members at large, and industry experts) with extending the mission and learning initiatives of the plan from the classrooms, into our every day lives, and across all industry sectors. In response to these goals, we are hosting a Community Collaborative called, "Generations of Knowledge: Innovating Forward." It is our hope to explore how local industry leaders representing different generations, and from the non-profit and business sectors, are inspiring innovation.

Innovation and Design Team

Dr. Laura Spencer
Executive Director, Innovation
and Design  

Dr. Spencer is proud to lead Del Mar’s Design Engineer team. A former classroom teacher, Laura believes in providing all students with opportunities to solve complex, meaningful problems. Laura also served as the Instructional Technology Coordinator for Santee School District, and as the Educational Technology and IT Director for Lakeside Union School District. Prior to her career in education, she was in the United States Army, stationed in Heidelberg, Germany. 

Degrees/Certifications 
B.A. English Literature/Writing, SUNY Potsdam 
M.A. Teaching, National University 
M.S. in Educational Leadership 
ED.D in Educational Leadership and Administration, Alliant University 
Administrative Services Clear Credential 
CLAD certificate 

Nueva School Design Thinking Institute 
Project Zero, Harvard University 
Top Tech Exec Exemplary Honoree Award
CFF Innovative Educator Award 
Microsoft Innovative Educator

Paula Intravaia
Design Engineer

Influenced by past innovative school experiences as a student in San Diego’s East County and informed by future focused educational thinkers and organizations around the globe, Paula Intravaia has aspired to bring joyful and meaningful learning to the students in DMUSD as a teacher of Art, Kindergarten, 4th Grade, and currently as a Design Engineer. 

​Degrees/Certifications
​B.A. Fine Arts, San Diego State University
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential & Single Subject in Art, National University 
CLAD certificate

​Americorp Fellow
Project Zero Summer Institute, Harvard Graduate School of Education
Nueva School Design Thinking Institute

Educator in the DMUSD since 1997

Sarah Raskin
​​Design Engineer

Through her work as a classroom teacher in the Del Mar Union School District at both Sage Canyon and Carmel Del Mar, as well as her experience serving in various roles as a K-12 administrator, Sarah Raskin strives to collaborate with administrators, teachers, and community stakeholders to ignite the inner genius within each student and embrace the belief that we can all make a difference. With the goal of bringing our students from “NOW to WOW,” Sarah is excited to serve as a Design Engineer and guide students in using the Design Thinking process to solve human-centered, complex, and real-world problems. 

Degrees/Certifications 
B.A. in English and Politics, Willamette University 
M.A.T with focus on K-12 Curriculum and Instruction, Willamette University 
ELDA Graduate, University of San Diego 
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential 
Administrative Services Clear Credential 
CLAD certificate 

Nueva School Design Thinking Institute 
Phil Mickelson Exxon Mobil Teaching Academy (STEM Sciences) 
Leading Edge Certified (Blended and Online Learning Instruction)

We're Here for You: Let's Connect!

Website: DMUSDInnovation
​Twitter:
Laura Spencer: @LSpencerEdD
Paula Intravaia: @CDMDreamers
​Sarah Raskin: @SarahZRaskin