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Rafael Contreras worked as a Teacher and Fine Arts Curriculum Lead at Elmwood Park Community Unit School District 401 starting in 2019. Prior to that, they worked at Chicago Public Schools as an Assistant Principal from 2012 to 2014 and as a Teacher from 1999 to 2012. During their time at Chicago Public Schools, they also had administrative experience such as being a Small Learning Community (SLC) Lead Teacher and a member of various committees.

Rafael Contreras completed a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Teaching of English & Foreign Languages at the University of Illinois Chicago from 1995 to 2000. Rafael then pursued a Master's degree in Educational Leadership and Administration, General at Concordia University Chicago, from 2008 to 2011. In 2017 and 2018, they attended Dominican University to study Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor. Rafael also obtained additional certifications, including English As A Second Language Teacher from Dominican University in 2016, and Education Administrator from Concordia University Chicago in 2010. Additionally, they received certifications in REACH Evaluation, Developmental Designs, Responsive Classroom, and High School Teacher through various institutions and years.