Hi, I’m
Dr. Elsa Kortright-Torres
Hopewell Junction,NY
Summary
District Leader, highly accomplished Instructional Leader with 25+ years of progressive experience leading and exceeding educational goals through curriculum design, professional development, and large-scale program policies and initiatives. Motivated, passionate, data-driven, collaborative instructional leader and life-long learner focused on achieving results by working on strategic goals leading to positive learning outcomes and productive school cultures. Skilled in strategic planning, financial oversight, and stakeholder engagement. Known for adaptability, resilience, and delivering results in evolving environments. Strong interpersonal skills, effective communication, and results-driven approach.
Overview
34
years of professional experience
3
Certification
Work History
Hudson City School DistrictHudson, NY
Executive Director of Teaching and Learning
07.2024 - Current
Job overview
- Oversee all instructional programs, assessments, and curricula aligned to the NYSED Next Generation Standards
- Manage ESSA Grants and responsible for submitting applications FS-10 Reports, including overseeing expenditures throughout the year
- Implement Multi-Tiered Systems of Support using a platform to monitor student progress toward achieving academic and behavioral goals
- Provide Professional Development (PD) on Data Wise to create coherence of Professional Learning Communities (PLC) meetings and set expectations for collaborative conversations about pedagogical problems of practice
- Monitor the use of Rubicon Atlas to ensure continuity and coherence of curricula across subjects and grades
- Observe teachers using the Marzano Teacher Evaluation Model to provide actionable feedback to improve practice and learning
- Monitor the progress of students in K-12 using benchmark assessments and the Branching Minds platform
- Oversee implementation of social-emotional learning programs such as RULER and Restorative Justice
- Oversee Federal Grant funding sources such as Farm to School and ESSA Funding
- Created in partnership with the National Summer School Initiative, a K-8 summer school program to increase the academic achievement of students in ELA and math
- Liaise School Comprehensive Education Plan (SCEP) Team to provide valuable input in creating and adjusting plans to meet the needs of students at Montgomery C. Smith Elementary School—a school designated as in need of support (TSI)
- Meet regularly with Professional Development (PD) and Literacy Committees to create goals based on qualitative and quantitative data
- Collaborate with parents, teachers, and community members by holding meetings to solicit input on instructional programs
NYCPS, Office of School Quality
Administrative Assistant Superintendent
01.2018 - 06.2024
Job overview
- Led the work to redesign the Quality Review Process for the 2023-2024 school year to align with the Chancellor’s Priorities and School District needs
- Played a crucial role in maximizing student learning and improving teacher practice by conducting comprehensive Quality Reviews (QR) within the New York City Public Schools
- Collaborated closely with key leaders, including Senior Directors and Directors, to plan and fulfill established goals
- Performed extensive school analyses to understand trends and identify organizational patterns
- Wrote Quality Review Reports that accurately detailed the findings; reports were publicly shared and published on the New York City Public Schools webpage
- Worked on the quality assurance process to ensure that Quality Review reports are produced with fidelity and adhere to The Office of School Quality compliance criteria
- Planned and facilitated professional learning sessions to educate school leaders and Directors on the Quality Review Rubric and the QR process
- Planned and provided professional learning sessions to educate the Office of School Quality team members about racial equity and its impact on student achievement
- Provided support on creating and revising The Office of School Quality documents required during the Quality Review process
Pawling Central School District
Interim Assistant Superintendent for Instruction
08.2012 - 06.2014
Job overview
- Reported to the Board of Education, Superintendent of Schools all matters about curriculum and instruction
- Evaluated teacher practice using Charlotte Danielson Framework for Teaching (2011)
- Evaluated principals using the Multidimensional Principal Performance Rubric
- Conducted professional development -Charlotte Danielson Framework for Teaching
- Facilitated training -Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) Methods of Academic Progress (MAP)
- Introduced curriculum mapping -Rubicon Atlas
- Implemented ongoing training to align English Language Arts and Social Studies to the Common Core Learning Standards
- Coordinated the district's training -Dignity for All Act
- Spearheaded committee to hire a new Assistant Principal for Pawling Elementary/Middle School
- Oversaw the committee to select a new K-6 reading program
- Coordinated training on using technology in the classroom, specifically Epson projectors and Student Response Systems
- Collaborated with the teacher's union to provide mentoring to new teachers
- Managed the district's Title I, II, and III Grants
- Conducted professional development for small groups of teachers as needed
Elmsford Union Free School District
Elementary Principal
07.2011 - 07.2011
Job overview
- Supervised two separate elementary buildings, Pre-K-1 and 2-6
- Supervised around 80 faculty and staff members
- Implemented Response to Intervention (RtI)
- Introduced PBIS
- Provided embedded professional development on using Danielson Framework for Teaching to improve teacher practice
- Evaluated all faculty and staff
- Conducted and collaborated on the School Quality Review process and Comprehensive Education Plan
- Coordinated professional development on using Reader's and Writer's Workshop
Newburgh Enlarged City School District
Elementary Principal
07.2003 - 06.2010
Job overview
- Earned Tenure as Elementary School Principal
- Supervised a K-6 building of 1000 students and 110 faculty and staff members
- Hired new teachers and staff
- Managed the school budget
- Increased student performance on the NYS ELA assessment by 10%
- Improved student performance on the NYS Math assessment by 5%
- Created the school's Data Team
- Created the School's SWAT (School-Wide Assessment Team)
- Implemented PBIS
- Reduced the number of discipline referrals by 30%
- Co-wrote and awarded the NY State School Violence and Prevention Grant
- Instituted the SMART after-school program
- Monitored students' reading skills by using formative assessments in grades K-2
- Instituted a 90-minute ELA block with a half-hour of push-in intervention services provided by reading specialists and support staff
Hillsborough County Public Schools, Newburgh Enlarged City School District, Tarrytown Union Free School District
Assistant Principal
02.2015 - 01.2018
Job overview
- Conducted formal and informal teacher observations
- Led Instructional Leadership Team
- Provided professional development for faculty based on instructional priorities for the year
- Handled discipline and collaborated with staff members to ensure consistency in establishing systems to support student learning
- Analyzed data from iReady, state assessments, interim assessments to define instructional goals for Tier II and III students using a system of Multi-Tiered Supports
- Facilitated Professional Learning Communities to ensure alignment of instructional practices to learning standards
- Coordinated field trips
- Created a master schedule to maximize instructional time
- Monitored implementation of the state learning standards by conducting learning walks
- Instituted character education and 'School Bus of the Month.'
- Assisted with the creation of Passport to the World
- Creator of 'World of Difference Week'
- Partnered with principal to administer school program in alignment with vision and goals, providing positive, high-expectation academic environment.
CSD #4, NY City Public Schools
Bilingual Elementary School Teacher
09.1990 - 06.2002
Job overview
- Taught daily all subjects in English, Spanish, and English as a Second Language using multi-modalities
- Taught in-service courses to colleagues on using technology and meeting the needs of ESL students
- Created an after-school enrichment program called Juntos/Together
- Named Teacher of the Year
- Taught all subject areas using Bloom's Taxonomy, cooperative learning, project-based learning
- Coordinated class science fair projects, awarded district level first place
- Guided a study of water quality of the Central Park Meer
- Coordinated field trips around New York City to integrate curriculum
- Supported English Language Learners by incorporating visual aids, realia, and scaffolding techniques in instructional practices.
- Fostered a positive learning environment with clear expectations, consistent routines, and engaging activities for all students.
Education
Northcentral UniversitySan Diego, CA
Doctor of Education from Educational Leadership
12.2022
University Overview
with Distinction
Mercy CollegeYorktown Heights, NY
Advanced Graduate Study from District/School Administration
University Overview
with Distinction
Hunter College, CUNYNew York City, NY
Master of Science from Bilingual Education
Hunter College, CUNYNew York City, NY
Bachelor of Arts from Psychology/Elementary Education
Skills
- Curriculum Development
- Collaborative Relationships
- Teacher Evaluations
- Second Language Enrichment Programs
- ELA and Mathematics Tests Performace Improvement
- Professional Development
- Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
- Discipline Referral Reduction
- Quality Review Facilitation
- School Quality Review
- School Improvement
Accomplishments
- Documented and resolved isolated pedagogical practices that hindered student outcomes by building collaborative teams, which led to professional learning communities using Data Wise to identify a problem of practice and develop action plans.
Core Accomplishments/Skills
- Named District 4 'Teacher of the Year' in 1994
- Fluent in Spanish
- Work published in a college textbook entitled Kaleidoscope by Yvonne Deagatano
- Developed innovative curriculum writing methods that became the standard for the Pawling Central School District
- Excelled in building collaborative relationships and obtaining a commitment to achieve district vision and mission
- Created teacher improvement plans for probationary teachers with an emphasis on support and guidance
- Founded and led a comprehensive second language after-school enrichment program at the John Paulding School
- Guided grades 3-6 to improve mathematics test scores by more than 10% during the 2008-2009 academic year
- Guided grades 3-6 to improve test scores by more than 5% during the 2008-2009 academic year
- Designed and conducted professional development plans on Danielson Framework for Teaching for the Elmsford Elementary School staff in 2011 and the Pawling Central School District in 2012, NYCDOE Quality Review, Office of School Quality Internal Professional Learning
- Implemented Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) at GAMS Tech Magnet School
- Decreased discipline referrals by 30% at the GAMS Tech Magnet School
- Facilitator of the Quality Review Design Team to adapt and develop the NYC School Quality Review Process
- Conducted approximately 45+ School Quality Reviews over five years
Professional Memberships and Honor Societies
- Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
- International Literacy Association
- Learning Forward
- Kappa Delta Pi
- The National Society of Leadership and Success
- American Educational Research Association
- Golden Key
References
- Dr. Tia Pressey, DEI Manager, Hudson City School District, 518 892-1827
- Ms. Chante Brooks, Executive Director of Human Resources- 914 316-3139
- Michele Ashley, Executive Director, NYC DOE Office of School Quality, 917-804-7155
- Dr. Jennifer Eusanio, Senior Director, NYC DOE Office of School Quality, 917-623-1503
- Dr. Lenneen Gibson, Deputy Superintendent of Queens North HS Districts 24, 25, and 30 NYC DOE, 917-468-1311
- Dr. Buffie Whitfield, Staten Island Director of Teaching and Special Education, 973-380-9570
- W. Michael Mahoney (retired), Former Superintendent-Pawling Central School District, NY, 516-642-3041, wmichaelmahoney@gmail.com
- Marsha Sobel (retired), Former Assistant Superintendent-Newburgh Enlarged City School District, NY, 845-401-9851, marshasob@gmail.com
Certification
- N-6 Elementary Teacher, New York State Education Department, Permanent
- School Building Administrator, New York State Education Department, Permanent
- School District Administrator, New York State Education Department, Permanent
Teacher of the Year, NYS Turnaround School Leader
During my tenure as a first-grade, third, and fourth-grade bilingual teacher and a principal of the Gidney Avenue Memorial School, students made significant academic gains
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Interests
- Avid Reader
- Gardening
- Enjoy participating in bike riding for overall physical and mental well-being.
- Music
- Watching Movies and TV Shows
- I enjoy helping others and giving back to the community.
- Supporting STEM education initiatives and mentorship programs.
- Youth mentor, providing guidance and support to empower the next generation of leaders.
- Dancing
Timeline
Executive Director of Teaching and Learning
Hudson City School District
07.2024 - Current
Administrative Assistant Superintendent
NYCPS, Office of School Quality
01.2018 - 06.2024
Assistant Principal
Hillsborough County Public Schools, Newburgh Enlarged City School District, Tarrytown Union Free School District
02.2015 - 01.2018
Interim Assistant Superintendent for Instruction
Pawling Central School District
08.2012 - 06.2014
Elementary Principal
Elmsford Union Free School District
07.2011 - 07.2011
Elementary Principal
Newburgh Enlarged City School District
07.2003 - 06.2010
Bilingual Elementary School Teacher
CSD #4, NY City Public Schools
09.1990 - 06.2002
Hunter College, CUNY
Master of Science from Bilingual Education
Hunter College, CUNY
Bachelor of Arts from Psychology/Elementary Education
Northcentral University
Doctor of Education from Educational Leadership
Mercy College
Advanced Graduate Study from District/School Administration
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