About

Developed in partnership with high-quality teachers and a nationally-recognized curriculum specialist, HI•FIVE Cultural Curriculum is an English/Language Arts (ELA), Indiana state standards-based curriculum that focuses on the historical contributions of Black and Latinx communities in Indiana. HI•FIVE works to increase both diverse representation in the classroom and student engagement. HI•FIVE is organized into four grade bands (K–2, 3–5, 6–8, 9–12) with 20 lessons total per band. All content lessons have rigorous exit assessments that mimic tests like the IREAD, ILEARN, or SAT, to both provide data to educators and give students valuable test prep experience.

Meet Our Staff

Lydia R Glover

Founding Dean of Academics at Allegiant Prep Academy
With five years of experience in education, I've journeyed from Kindergarten, First and Third grade teaching roles, serving as grade level chair along the way. Now, as the Founding Dean of academics, I champion inclusive curriculum, ensuring all scholars see themselves reflected in their learning. Passionate about providing a phenomenal education for every student, I'm committed to fostering an environment where all learners thrive and reach their full potential!

Aisha Bowen

Sankofa Solutions, Founder & Principal Consultant
Aisha Bowen is a passionate, global education and DEIB leader. She has over 8 years of experience in national and international curriculum & assessment writing, consulting, administration, and teaching – all with a strategic focus improving equity and inclusion to positively impact community members most marginalized. Throughout her career, she has utilized her culturally responsive teaching and leadership experience, specifically, to successfully support educational institutions and school districts in creating systems leading to measurable increases in student English Language Arts and literacy proficiency. Aisha holds a B.A. in English and Secondary Education, Phi Beta Kappa, from Howard University, an M.S. Ed. in International Education Development from the University of Pennsylvania, and is currently pursuing a Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Arkansas.

Tylie Mendoza-Robertson

Dean of Grades 3-5 Enlace Academy; Consultant with MERCIndy
Tylie Mendoza-Robertson has dedicated themselves to education, specializing in multilingual learners for over 7 years. Beginning as a multilingual learner teacher, they mastered the art of catering to diverse linguistic needs. Transitioning into an academic coach, they empowered students not just with knowledge, but with confidence. Their leadership expanded as they led teams of varying sizes within school settings. Tylie has coached and trained teachers and administrators locally and nationally. She taught English in Spain where she studied International Policy and Art at the Universidad de Murcia. Tylie holds a BA in Art and a BA in International Policy from the University of Southern Indiana, and a MA in Teaching English as a Second Language from Marian University.

Bridgett Hudson

Instructional Coach for Liberty Grove Schools
After spending 5 years as an 8th Grade ELA teacher, ELA Department Chair and Middle School Humanities Instructional Coach with Dallas ISD, Bridgett returned home to Indiana as a Green Fellow serving as Instructional Coach for Liberty Grove Schools. She holds a BS in Organizational Leadership and a M.Ed in Urban Education. As an alumna of the New Leaders National Aspiring Principals Fellowship, Bridgett has obtained an Education Leadership certification from Clark Atlanta University. Additionally, she is a proud mother of three children and grandmother to three more of whom all continue to ground her in the work she does every day. Convinced every student can obtain successful academic achievement at a high level, she stands by the Marva Collins quote, "Once children learn how to learn, nothing is going to narrow their mind. The essence of teaching is to make learning contagious, to have one idea spark another.”

Partners

  • Lavinia Group
  • Indiana State Museum and Historical Sites
  • The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
  • The Indianapolis Recorder
  • Time for Them Magazine
  • Teach for America Indianapolis
  • La Plaza
  • Edna Martin Christian Center
  • Adelante Schools
  • BELIEVE Circle City High School
  • KIPP Indianapolis 
  • Rooted Indy
  • Global Preparatory Academy