District Lead Instructional Coach 

Salinas Union High School District

United States:  California | North America

Yo Azama is an award-winning educator, coach, and international keynote speaker dedicated to
human-centered teaching and learning. He currently serves as the District Lead Instructional
Coach for Salinas Union High School District in Salinas, California, where he designs and
facilitates professional development for teachers, administrators, and instructional coaches.
A nationally recognized teacher-leader, Yo is the lead author of the COMPASS Japanese
language series, which was designed with the United Nations Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs) and the Global Competence Framework in mind. He has guided large-scale
initiatives, including district-wide Seal of Biliteracy implementation, global competence–aligned
curriculum design, and “Courage to Teach” retreats rooted in Parker Palmer’s Circle of Trust
approach. He is also a certified Adaptive Schools Agency Trainer, preparing educators to
foster collaborative and effective learning communities. His work blends identity, integrity, and
innovative practice, helping teachers reconnect with purpose and students thrive in culturally
responsive classrooms.He was featured in the WGBH/Annenberg Teaching Foreign Languages K-12 series,
showcasing his engaging classroom practice. Yo has been recognized with numerous
accolades, including being named the ACTFL National Language Teacher of the Year, California
Language Teacher of the Year, and receiving the Outstanding World Language Teacher Award
from multiple organizations.
Over his career, Yo has conducted hundreds of professional presentations and workshops
ranging from best practices and curriculum design institutes to national and international
keynote addresses. He has delivered sessions for teachers, instructional coaches, and school
leaders across the U.S. and abroad, including keynote engagements in Australia, Bali, and
Japan, where he shares insights on teacher presence, global competence, and cultivating
belonging.
He is also the founder of Human Centered Teaching & Learning LLC, a consulting practice
committed to supporting educators in reconnecting with their inner teacher, building joyful
learning communities, and sustaining their calling.
Beyond his professional work, Yo enjoys immersing himself in music—especially jazz, both
listening and playing. He finds joy in getting lost in foreign cities and navigating back to his hotel
without the aid of technology, striking up friendships with fellow passengers on planes and
staying in touch with them, and savoring the simple pleasure of swimming in pools (though not
the ocean). He delights in forest bathing, tending his garden..mostly planting..crafting killer
hummus, and sharing in the art of Moth storytelling. Above all, he treasures the serendipity life
brings. He lives in the beautiful Monterey Bay area with his partner, a Ragdall cat, and a pet
chicken.