Jacqueline Rodriguez

Jacqueline Rodriguez brings 15 years of comprehensive experience in the field of Education. In 2010, she
earned her Master’s Degree in Teaching English as a Second Language from the City College of New
York. Prior to this, she spent three years working as a substitute teacher in her hometown of Washington
Heights. Following her graduation, Jacqueline became a prominent leader advocating for English
Language Learners and their families, securing her first full-time position at the Washington Heights
Expeditionary Learning School. She also obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the Fashion
Institute of Technology, an achievement that led her to work as Marketing Coordinator for 5 years.
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In 2018, through Teaching Matters, a national teacher leadership program, she achieved certifications as
an Instructional Coach, Learning Facilitator, and Standards Ambassador while serving as the Magnet
Coordinator at MS358, The Magnet School of STEAM Exploration and Experiential Learning. In her
capacity as Magnet Coordinator, Jacqueline was instrumental in achieving the honor of becoming the only
Nationally Certified Demonstration School in New York City in 2020. During her tenure, she diligently
collaborated with her team to uphold the magnet pillars of diversity, innovative curriculum, professional
development, academic excellence, high-quality instructional practices, and strong family and community
partnerships.

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During the pandemic, Jacqueline took on the leadership of the RACE and Equity Team at MS358,
successfully guiding her team in presenting to 100 participants at the Annual Magnet Conference. In
2021, she became an Assistant Principal at a community school in the Bronx, where she played a pivotal
role in redesigning educational experiences for students in grades PK-5 in response to the pandemic's
impact. Her contributions significantly shaped the school culture and instructional practices.
In 2023, Jacqueline transitioned to the role of Principal at an elementary school in Orange County, where
she continues to dedicate herself to serving children and families through knowledge-based initiatives,
primarily focusing on literacy and mathematics. Central to her philosophy is the belief that partnerships
can enhance resources for children in public education. She has successfully established and led various
collaborations, including those with Teachers College, The Harmony Program, Blue Engine, and the
Middle School Quality Initiative, among others.

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Jacqueline’s extensive experiences in education have allowed her to work collaboratively with a diverse
array of individuals, all striving towards the shared goal of enhancing student achievement and well-being.
Her educational philosophy is grounded in her unwavering belief that every student can learn, provided
they are in a positive learning environment supported by strong leadership, a dedicated educational team,
an encouraging community, and a nurturing family—qualities embodied by Fort Montgomery Elementary
School.

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Outside of her professional commitments, Jacqueline cherishes time spent with her children, Marleny,
who is twenty, and Sebastian, who is seventeen. She is passionate about advocating for English
Language Learners and fostering a positive school climate through restorative approaches. As the
daughter of Dominican parents, Jacqueline holds a deep affection for her culture and equally her
birthplace, New York City. JAcqueline is currently pursuing her School District Leadership license to
further her impact at the district level in support of schools. With a strong belief in the transformative
power of education, Jacqueline is dedicated to serving children in New York City and New York State,
having herself benefited from public education in the wonderful city where she was born. Jacqueline
believes in the genius that all children possess and strongly believes “Brains are Built, not Born.”

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