Elsie Torres
Hartford,CT
Summary
Dynamic educational leader with a proven track record at East Hartford Public Schools, excelling in bilingual education and instructional leadership. Bilingual in English and Spanish, I leverage excellent communication and leadership skills to drive student achievement and implement strategic initiatives, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Adjunct Professor
University of Connecticut
06.2023 - Current
- Professor Mathematics Teacher Leadership NOYCE Cohort
- Professor in the UCAPP 092 Principal Preparation Program
Assistant Superintendent
East Hartford Public Schools
East Hartford, CT
08.2018 - Current
- Supervision of: Certificated and classified staff as assigned including: PreK Principal, Elementary, Middle, High school Principals, Supervisors of Curriculum and Instruction for Literacy and Mathematics; ESL, Bilingual and World Language; Fine and Performing Arts and Music; Health and Physical Education
- Assist in administrative tasks, including overseeing curriculum implementation, staffing and district strategic planning
- Manage and monitor instructional and categorical budgets as assigned
- Attend all Board of Education, Policy meetings and other meetings as appropriate
- Serve as member of the Superintendent’s Executive Leadership Team
- Oversee the district Central Registration/Welcome Center
- Assess district and school performance and work to implement strategic improvement initiatives
- Administer strategic district and school improvements plans to ensure student academic growth and achievement
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge on emerging curriculum legislative actions and trends to determine needed shifts
- Provide proactive leadership to each individual school to ensure common vision and student success at all levels
- Act as Superintendent Designee as needed
Supervisor, Bilingual Education and ESOL Programs
Meriden Public Schools
Meriden, CT
08.2015 - 08.2018
- Identified, analyzed, and applied district data and research findings to facilitate improvement in Bilingual Education and ESOL Programs
- Developed, maintained, utilized appropriate data systems to measure student growth and proficiency
- Monitored curriculum and instruction to ensure effective and rigorous Bilingual and ESOL programs
- Observed, supervised, evaluated, and provided feedback to teachers as their primary evaluator
- Conducted and arranged for staff development to include best instructional practices
- Coordinated process of identifying Bilingual Education students district wide, including review of data
- Wrote, and oversaw Title III, Bilingual Education, and Immigrant grants district wide
- Planned and oversaw LAS Links testing for all ESOL and Bilingual Education students K-12
- Oversaw all of centralized registration for the district, successfully launched online registration K-12
Principal
John Barry Elementary School
Meriden, CT
08.2011 - 08.2015
- Recruited, observed, supervised, and evaluated teachers as primary evaluator
- Supported implementation of the Common Core State Standards across all grade levels
- Implemented and led $300,000 School Improvement Grant
- Implemented and led the launch of Expanded Learning Time
- Collaborated with certified staff in the design of intervention programs, collection of classroom performance, and results
- Demonstrated decision-making, problem-solving skills to maintain safety and strong systems
- Led the Special Education team and facilitated planning and placement team meetings
- Launched 1:1 devices/blended learning for all students in Kindergarten through grade five
- Coached and mentored a University of Connecticut Educational Leadership/092 intern
- Collaborated with community agencies, consultants, families, administration and staff to support district and school initiatives
Instructional Associate
Hanover Elementary School
Meriden, CT
08.2009 - 08.2011
- Maintained learning environment conducive to teaching and learning
- Acted as Facilitator for grade 3 instructional data team, and chairperson for school wide data team
- Assisted teachers and principal in continuously assessing student progress through the data team/SRBI process
- Created general and master scheduling for instructional programming and operations
- Assisted teacher and principal in employing positive classroom management strategies and restorative practices
- Planned and conducted meetings with staff; coordination of school assemblies, programs
- Served as interim in the absence of the principal
- Coordinated, scheduled, planned a $400,000 21st Century After-School Program and CMT preparation
- Served as Child Study Team coordinator, 504 coordinator
Education
Ed.D. - Educational Leadership
University of Connecticut
06.2023
Executive Leadership Program - 093
University of Connecticut
07.2018
Sixth Year Degree - Educational Leadership, 092
Southern Connecticut State University
06.2009
Master of Education - Kindergarten through Grade 6 certification
Cambridge College
06.2003
Bachelor of Science - Human Services
Springfield College
12.2001
Associate of Science - Human Services
Middlesex Community College
08.2000
Skills
- Bilingual/Bicultural in English and Spanish
- Highly motivated
- Excellent communication skills
- Excellent written skills
- Excellent leadership skills
Accomplishments
- Presenter at the Connecticut Alliance District Convention on Expanded Learning Time
- National Recognition from the National Implemented Learning for Expanded Learning time in grades K-2 in collaboration with Center for Time and Learning
- Recipient of the 2013-2014 William Cieslukowski First Year Principal Award
References
Available
Other Experience
- Serve on School Readiness Council
- Serve on District Leadership Committee: PDEC
- Served as Cooperating teacher to students from Central Connecticut State University
- Served as BEST mentor and TEAM Mentor to New Teachers
- Served on Board of Directors member for Chrysalis Domestic Violence Services
- Served as McKinney Vento Homeless Liaison for the Meriden Public Schools
Professional Development
- School Climate Standards Conference
- Discipline, Classroom Management
- Making Standards Work
- Dynamic Communication and Leadership
- Differentiated Instruction
- Reading First Literacy Conference
- Scientific Research Based Intervention
- Sheltered Instruction
- 21st Century Grant Curriculum
- PBIS Training
- Lead CT Turnaround Principal Spring Fellowship
- Hill or Literacy, Right to Read
Timeline
Adjunct Professor
University of Connecticut
06.2023 - Current
Assistant Superintendent
East Hartford Public Schools
08.2018 - Current
Supervisor, Bilingual Education and ESOL Programs
Meriden Public Schools
08.2015 - 08.2018
Principal
John Barry Elementary School
08.2011 - 08.2015
Instructional Associate
Hanover Elementary School
08.2009 - 08.2011
Ed.D. - Educational Leadership
University of Connecticut
Executive Leadership Program - 093
University of Connecticut
Sixth Year Degree - Educational Leadership, 092
Southern Connecticut State University
Master of Education - Kindergarten through Grade 6 certification
Cambridge College
Bachelor of Science - Human Services
Springfield College
Associate of Science - Human Services
Middlesex Community College