CESAR M. RODRIGUEZ
Fair Lawn,NJ
Summary
Student-centered educational leader with extensive experience across grades 1–12, currently serving in a middle school leadership role with direct responsibility for academic systems, advisory programming, student placement, and family engagement. Background in special education, curriculum design, and social-emotional learning informs an equity-driven leadership approach. Experienced in collaborating with high school principals and deans to support student transitions, alignment of expectations, and continuity of academic and behavioral supports. Doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership, Management, and Policy with a focus on organizational structures and student success.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Academic Dean, Grades 5–8 / Middle School Leadership Team
Saddle River Day School
01.2024 - Current
- Provide academic and student leadership for grades 5–8, supporting instructional coherence, student progress monitoring, and advisory programming.
- Lead student placement, leveling, and transition processes in collaboration with learning support, admissions, and faculty teams.
- Partner with the Upper School Principal and High School Deans to support student transitions from middle to high school, including alignment of academic expectations, behavioral norms, and student support structures.
- Serve as a key liaison between middle school and high school leadership to ensure continuity for students requiring academic, social-emotional, or organizational support.
- Oversee advisory curriculum implementation across grades 5–8, integrating SEL themes, identity development, and community-building practices.
- Collaborate with faculty to analyze student data, recommend interventions, and support differentiated instruction.
- Communicate regularly with families regarding student progress, placement decisions, and transition planning.
- Support schoolwide programming including assemblies, grade-level initiatives, and student leadership opportunities.
Upper Elementary and Middle School Educator
The Elisabeth Morrow School
08.2017 - 06.2023
- Roles included Grade-level leader (5-6th), Fifth Grade Teacher, Sixth Grade Humanities Teacher, and Spanish Teacher (Grades 1–4).
- Served as grade-level leader, facilitating team collaboration, student check-ins, and child study meetings.
- Led coordination of academic and social-emotional supports for students in collaboration with administrators and learning specialists.
- Designed and implemented curriculum in humanities, math, and world languages, emphasizing inquiry, critical thinking, and student voice.
- Integrated Social Emotional Learning into daily instruction to support student regulation, collaboration, and resilience.
- Maintained consistent communication with families through conferences, progress reports, and collaborative problem-solving.
- Participated in curriculum committees and schoolwide initiatives focused on student engagement and program development.
- Supervised and coached students in extracurricular and athletic programs, strengthening relationships beyond the classroom.
Third Grade Teacher
St. Luke’s School
08.2015 - 08.2017
- Delivered interdisciplinary instruction aligned to district and school expectations.
- Implemented SEL practices and classroom systems that supported positive behavior and student accountability.
- Collaborated with administrators and colleagues to refine instructional practices and support diverse learners.
Education
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Educational Leadership, Management, and Policy
Seton Hall University
South Orange, NJ01.2027
Master of Science - Childhood Education (Grades 1–6)
Fordham University
New York, NY05.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Lehman College
Bronx, NY01.2015
Skills
- Middle School and High School Transition Planning
- Student Placement and Leveling
- Advisory Program Design and Implementation
- Faculty Collaboration and Support
- Family Engagement and Communication
- Special Education and Inclusive Practices
- Social Emotional Learning Leadership
- Curriculum Alignment and Program Development
- Data-Informed Decision Making
Timeline
Academic Dean, Grades 5–8 / Middle School Leadership Team
Saddle River Day School
01.2024 - Current
Upper Elementary and Middle School Educator
The Elisabeth Morrow School
08.2017 - 06.2023
Third Grade Teacher
St. Luke’s School
08.2015 - 08.2017
Master of Science - Childhood Education (Grades 1–6)
Fordham University
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Lehman College
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Educational Leadership, Management, and Policy
Seton Hall University