Anna Marie Candelario
Hoffman Estates,IL
Summary
Seasoned Superintendent with a proven track record at Cambridge Public Schools, adept in strategic planning and effective leadership. Spearheaded initiatives enhancing educator diversity by 33% and improved student access to quality education. Skilled in organizational management and public relations, consistently achieving significant advancements in learning outcomes and community engagement.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Superintendent of Schools
Cambridge Public Schools
07.2021 - 08.2024
- Implemented comprehensive literacy and math curriculum for grades PK-12.
- Successfully negotiated and ratified seven successor contracts.
- Reduced chronic absenteeism rate by four percentage points each year.
- Increased time on learning by 90 hrs/year.
- Set the strategic direction of the school district.
- Enhanced and expanded the Educator Pathway Program to increase educator diversity.
- Directed development and execution of multi-year district enhancement plan.
- Set and communicated high expectations for learning and outcomes for students.
- Streamlined inclusive annual budget process.
- Led initiatives to enhance inclusivity and anti-racist practices for students, families, and staff.
- Executed strategies for top-tier safety standards.
- Facilitated the development of district and school-based leaders.
Superintendent of Schools
Sharon Public Schools
07.2017 - 06.2021
- Enhanced fiscal procedures through utilization of zero-based budgeting.
- Improved the high school ranking in two years from a ranking of number ten to a ranking of number six in Massachusetts.
- Improved central office effectiveness and support by aligning department functions.
- Enhanced diversity among teachers, school staff, and district leaders by 33%.
- Established partnerships with local organizations to enhance district programs and initiatives.
- Created process centered on observation, reflection, and feedback to improve leadership effectiveness.
- Implemented a comprehensive communication and community engagement plan by hosting an annual 'State of the Schools' address, implementing Superintendent Advisory councils, Superintendent Coffee hours, and Superintendent 'Walk and Talk Tuesdays'.
- Developed district-wide professional development programs targeting cultural competency.
- Orchestrated MSBA process culminating in Town meeting approval for $163M high school project.
- Directed collaborative community process resulting in three-year strategic plan for district improvement.
- Implemented phonics-based reading program for K-5 students.
- Facilitated the implementation of the elementary cultural competency curriculum.
- Commissioned external review for Student Support Services to enhance special education programs.
- Successfully negotiated successor contracts across all bargaining units in collaboration with the School Committee and the Select Board.
Assistant Superintendent
Cambridge Public Schools
07.2013 - 06.2017
- Increased proficiency in reading and mathematics for high-needs groups by 3%.
- Increased the number of students with disabilities accessing the general education classroom and curriculum to 85%.
- Developed and initiated the 'Universal Summer Program,' which increased the number of students attending summer programs by 50% over three years and 80% of students maintaining skills.
- Increased the number of teachers trained in effective strategies for teaching students with dyslexia by 10%.
- Raised percentage of educators certified in Orton Gillingham by 15%.
- Increased the department approval rating from 43% to 85% in over two years.
- Increased parent/family engagement by over 50%.
- Developed community partnerships, increasing the number of families accessing wrap-around supports by thirty families in the first year of implementation.
Director of Instruction
Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools
07.2009 - 06.2013
- Improved access to the general education curriculum for students with disabilities from 40% to 60%.
- Improved the achievement of students with disabilities by 20% over three years by designing, developing, and training the instructional coaching team to support teachers and principals.
- Led the district review of inclusive practices, which resulted in over 4,000 teachers receiving professional development in effective strategies in teaching students with disabilities and co-teaching.
- Developed and implemented the mapping process, resulting in more effective use of school resources and greater principal autonomy to support students.
- Designed instructional programs for gifted students and students with disabilities PK-12 that led to increased access to gifted programs for a more diverse group of students.
- Developed a parent advisory council for gifted students and students with disabilities in grades PK-12, which led to a 10% increase in the approval rating by families.
Education
Ed.D. - Educational Leadership
Concordia University
River Forest, IL05-2027
No Degree - Special Education Director Endorsement
University of Saint Francis
Joliet08-2020
Master of Arts - Educational Administration
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL05-2019
Master of Arts - Special Education
Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago, IL05-2013
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Roosevelt University
Chicago, IL05-2011
Skills
- Effective leadership/communication skills
- Public Relations
- Project planning and management
- Change management expert
- Strategic Planning
- Effective trainer and facilitator
- Labor Relations
- Crisis Management
- Instructional Leadership
- Organizational Management
- Continuous Improvement
Affiliations
- 2025 District Administration (DA) Leader of Distinction Award Winner
- 2024 Honorable Mention for the American Consortium of Equity in Education Award
- 2024 Illinois Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (IALAS) Administrator Spotlight Award Winner
- 2023 Illinois Those Who Excel Award Special Recognition Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging (DEIB) Team
- 2017 Northeastern Illinois University Distinguished Alumnus Award Nominee
- 2015 NASET Outstanding Special Education Teacher
Previous Work Experience
Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools
June 2008 to July 2009
Special Education Coordinator
Nashville, TN and Memphis, TN
Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools and Memphis City Schools
September 2007 to June 2008
July 2006 to September 2007
Instructional Facilitator
Nashville, TN and Memphis, TN
Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools and Memphis City Schools
August 1999 to June 2006
Special Education Teacher
References
Available Upon Request
Accomplishments
- NxtGEN Teacher and Leader Residency Program Developed and launched the NxtGEN Teacher and Leader Residency Program (special education and dual language focuses), achieving 90% resident satisfaction and 95% mentor satisfaction, with 48% of participants identifying as people of color.
Timeline
Superintendent of Schools
Cambridge Public Schools
07.2021 - 08.2024
Superintendent of Schools
Sharon Public Schools
07.2017 - 06.2021
Assistant Superintendent
Cambridge Public Schools
07.2013 - 06.2017
Director of Instruction
Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools
07.2009 - 06.2013
Ed.D. - Educational Leadership
Concordia University
No Degree - Special Education Director Endorsement
University of Saint Francis
Master of Arts - Educational Administration
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
Master of Arts - Special Education
Northeastern Illinois University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Roosevelt University
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