Omar Araiza teaches kindergarten and first grade at Harrison Street Elementary School in East Los Angeles. He was an LA Unified School District student throughout his K–12 education. He's in his 17th year of teaching. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in education, both from the University of California, Los Angeles. He has served as grade-level lead and GATE Coordinator as well as a mentor teacher to beginning teachers who are pursuing their preliminary credential.