Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Athleticcareer
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Hernando Santamaria

Union Beach,New Jersey

Summary

Visionary and accomplished educational leader with nearly two decades of experience in education, athletics, and leadership. Demonstrated expertise in fostering inclusive, dynamic learning environments that empower middle school students to achieve academic, social, and emotional success. Recognized for creative curriculum development, faculty mentorship, and student-centered leadership. Adept at balancing academic rigor with emotional well-being, while advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. A results-driven and empathetic leader committed to guiding students and staff to reach their full potential through thoughtful collaboration and transformative programming.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Middle School Assistant Principal

Newark Academy
08.2023 - Current

Championed positive behavioral interventions, achieving a measurable reduction in student disciplinary incidents and fostering a supportive school culture.

Guided teachers through the supervision and evaluation process in collaboration with the Dean of Faculty, ensuring excellence in pedagogy.

Strengthened parent-school partnerships through effective communication and engagement strategies, creating a collaborative approach to student success

Collaborated with school counselors and administrators to advise and support students

Interface with classroom teachers and administrators to discuss academic performance, behavioral conduct, and disciplinary measures

Interim Middle School Athletic Director

Newark Academy
05.2024 - Current

Designed and executed a strategic plan for athletic programming, aligning with the school’s mission to cultivate resilience, teamwork, and excellence in students

Successfully oversaw the hiring and retention of highly qualified coaches, ensuring alignment with school values and athletic program goals

Conduct comprehensive evaluations of coaching staff to foster professional development, maintain high standards, and enhance athletic performance

Serve as Director of the MSAC (Middle School Athletic Conference), leading league operations, coordinating events, and ensuring compliance with regulations

Collaborate closely with the Admissions office to identify student-athletes, supporting their successful enrollment and integration into the school community

Boys Varsity Soccer Head Coach

Newark Academy
08.2020 - Current

Spearheaded the growth of the Boys Soccer Program, increasing participation from 90 to 120 students across six teams, including three middle and three upper school teams.

Established and developed a freshman/thirds team, expanding opportunities for student-athletes and enhancing player development pathways.

Managed all parent and student communication, ensuring transparency and fostering positive relationships within the soccer community.

Provided strategic leadership as Boys Varsity Soccer Coach, guiding the program to sustained success while promoting player growth on and off the field.

Modern Language Teacher – Spanish

Newark Academy
08.2019 - Current

Devoted Spanish Teacher with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously

Implemented the Spanish curriculum for all Spanish Levels A, B, and C students ensuring it aligns with a high standard of educational excellence by developing a Scope and Sequence for each level that aligns with Newark Academy’s Six C’s framework

Creates daily innovative lesson plans and demonstrates an interactive learning environment maximizing learning opportunities in diverse classroom settings

Director of Athletic Camps

Newark Academy
10.2022 - Current

Founded and directed an athletic camp program, growing enrollment from 50 to 100 campers within the first year.

Managed all communication with parents and campers, ensuring a seamless experience and strong engagement.

Designed and implemented innovative sports options to attract diverse camper interests and enhance participation.

Equity and Inclusion Coordinator

Newark Academy
08.2020 - 08.2023

Helped create and implement the Bias-Res that has deescalated situations that Bias is present

Provided structures, training, and protocols for students and teachers

Assisted the Director of Equity and Inclusion, fellow DEI Coordinators, and Administrators in the creation and implementation of the Community Commitments for Belonging

Worked with students on various presentations during POCC and Middle School DEI Summits

Middle School Athletic Coordinator

The Masters School
08.2015 - 06.2019

Oversaw all Athletic Teams, Coaching Staff, and Department of 25 part-time and full-time employees

Responsible for organizing, supervising, and scheduling all interscholastic athletics ensuring all rules and regulations were met

Provided a safe and productive environment for all students and staff, always representing the school’s commitment to diversity and gender equality

Checked and monitored student eligibility per school rules and regulations and school board policy

Represented the school at all games, meetings, and school-sponsored events

Developed and coordinated strength and conditioning programs for all students from 9th to 12th grade

Modern Language Teacher – Spanish

The Masters' School
08.2015 - 06.2019

Participated in ongoing planning, development, and evaluation of the curriculum

Served as a liaison between all Middle School Modern Language teachers, by helping establish and maintain harmonious working relationships

Evaluated student achievement, progress, and performance while maintaining accurate records and grades for all students

Created lesson plans and delivered instruction to three physical education classes with an emphasis on achieving social and life skills through physical activities and team building

Education

Ed.D - Educational Leadership

Monmouth University
Long Branch, NJ
12.2024

Master of Science - Childhood Education

Mercy College
Dobbs Ferry, NY
08.2016

Bachelor of Arts - Spanish, Secondary Education

Saint Peter’s College
Jersey City, NJ
05.2009

Skills

    Crisis Communication and Crisis management

    Decision-Making and Problem-Solving

    Collaboration and Team Building

    Mentorship and professional development

Athleticcareer

Saint Peter’s College Men’s Soccer Team, 2005-2008, Achieved two Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Finals and a NCAA Tournament appearance in 2007., Saint Peter’s University Hall of Fame Inductee (2020)

Certification

New Jersey State World Languages Certification

NJAIS Leadership Institute Certification.

NAIS Diversity Leadership Institute

Asociación de Técnicos del Fútbol Argentino Diploma (FIFA License).

United States Soccer Federation “B” License holder and NSCAA Goalkeeper 1 Diploma Holder.


Languages

Spanish
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Interim Middle School Athletic Director

Newark Academy
05.2024 - Current

Middle School Assistant Principal

Newark Academy
08.2023 - Current

Director of Athletic Camps

Newark Academy
10.2022 - Current

Boys Varsity Soccer Head Coach

Newark Academy
08.2020 - Current

Equity and Inclusion Coordinator

Newark Academy
08.2020 - 08.2023

Modern Language Teacher – Spanish

Newark Academy
08.2019 - Current

Middle School Athletic Coordinator

The Masters School
08.2015 - 06.2019

Modern Language Teacher – Spanish

The Masters' School
08.2015 - 06.2019

Master of Science - Childhood Education

Mercy College

Bachelor of Arts - Spanish, Secondary Education

Saint Peter’s College

Ed.D - Educational Leadership

Monmouth University
Hernando Santamaria