Open To Work
IRIS BLIGE-PINTO
Yonkers,United States
Summary
Dynamic school executive and clinician with a proven track record of transforming student performance in high-risk environments, particularly within New York City schools. Expertise in developing and implementing innovative processes and strategies that drive program growth, increase enrollment, and enhance operational efficiencies through data analytics. A strong commitment to fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement is demonstrated by promoting a growth mindset, providing professional development, and building strategic partnerships to expand academic and career offerings. Fluency in Spanish enriches communication and outreach efforts, ensuring inclusivity and engagement with diverse constituents.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
PROFESIONAL LEARNING CAPACITY BUILDER
CENTER FOR EDUCATIONAL INNOVATION
01.2023 - Current
- Collaborated with school leaders and faculty to create and execute a comprehensive professional development initiative focused on elevating student performance and building leadership capacity.
- Mentored junior builders, providing training on best practices and techniques.
- Implemented sustainable building practices to reduce environmental impact of projects.
- Maintained professional relationships with clients throughout the duration of each project, keeping them informed on progress updates and addressing any concerns as needed.
- Coordinated with stakeholders to align project goals and expectations effectively.
EDUCATIONAL/INSTRUCTIONAL LEADER
6-12 CHARTER SCHOOL
01.2025 - 01.2026
- Directed long-term initiatives, fostering collaboration and maintaining focus on organizational goals.
- Facilitated professional development workshops for instructional staff to enhance teaching practices.
- Analyzed student performance data to identify areas for improvement and tailor interventions.
- Collaborated with teachers to design assessments that measure student learning effectively.
- Mentored new educators in classroom management techniques and instructional strategies.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement through regular feedback and peer observations.
- Monitored student progress with regular assessments, providing timely feedback to support academic growth.
- Coordinated after-school tutoring programs, providing additional support for struggling learners in need of targeted assistance.
- Strengthened parent-teacher relationships through consistent communication about student progress and upcoming events within the school community.
- Adapted instructional strategies to meet the unique needs of each learner, boosting overall class performance.
- Served as a mentor for new teachers, offering guidance on effective teaching techniques and classroom management strategies.
- Implemented data-driven instruction by analyzing student assessment results and adjusting teaching methods accordingly.
- Contributed to school-wide initiatives focused on enhancing educational quality and fostering a positive learning community.
- Established a positive classroom environment by setting clear expectations and promoting mutual respect among students.
- Shifted between formal and informal methods of teaching to keep students engaged.
PRINCIPAL/INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT LEADER
A Designated Blue Ribbon SECONDARY SCHOOL
01.2003 - 01.2020
- New York City public school Principal providing specialized programs in CTE, visual and performing arts for approximately 400+ students in grades 9-12.
- Principal: Hire, train and mentor administrators, teachers as well as teachers' aids, paraprofessionals, counselors/clinical and administrative staff. Manage an annual budget of $3.6M. Oversee the implementation of Common Core State Standards. Resolve issues involving teacher and staff contracts and coordinate actions with the city's legal department. Write and manage state, local and federal grants worth a total of $3M, including a federal I-technology grant (i-Learn) and city RESO A grants. Research and implement teaching methodologies, including UCONN Schoolwide Enrichment Model, Renzulli Learning, Problem Based Learning and Understanding by Design. Developed and implemented the horizontal and vertical articulation of the school's curriculum. Continuously monitor and improve instruction and student progress based on performance data; feedback from students, teachers, parents and community stakeholders; and ongoing study of the latest research in the field. Supervise teachers in arranging the mandatory performance portions of students' exit exams.
- Major Contributions:
- Inherited a failing school and spearheaded the development and implementation of a visionary strategic plan resulting in unprecedented student growth and success exemplified in the increase of the school's performance to an “A” rating. Currently ranking in the 97th percentile citywide and received a “Well Developed” rating on the school's Quality Review.
- Designed and launched student achievement programs that have yielded 15-20% improvement in graduation rates, 97% school graduation rate, as well as NCLB/ESSA - New York State English, Language Arts and Mathematics requirements.
- Participant in New York State “Principal Preparation Project” to formulate recommendations for consideration by the Board of Regents.
- Earned performance awards from the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators (CSA), Guidance Counselor of the year and NYC DOE for superior student achievement for fourteen years
ASPIRING PRINCIPALS PROGRAM
NEW YORK CITY LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
01.2003 - 01.2004
- Standards-based, 14-month program that prepares participants to lead instructional improvement efforts in the city's high-need public schools
- Principal in Training, Grace Dodge High School and Bronx School for Law, Government and Justice: Provided overall support for principals. Made classroom visits. Assisted in developing and implementing classroom management strategies and imposing discipline as necessary. Conducted formal and informal observations of all school operations. Functioned as assistant principal for the sciences at Grace Dodge High School. Ordered materials and managed inventory and curriculum materials. Oversaw the professional development for the science department. Reviewed lesson plans. Directed academic contests and competitions. Ensured students completed the required NYS labs and mandatory seat time in science classes to ensure timely graduation. Monitored and assessed student progress using district and school-level data systems.
Supervisor of Special Education
P.S. 72x, K-5 Elementary School
02.2003 - 08.2003
- Oversaw the delivery of services to the physically and medically fragile student body. Managed teachers and paraprofessionals as well as clinicians who provided physical, occupational and speech therapy. Directed operations to ensure compliance with all federal, state and city requirements.
- Career Note: Previous professional experience includes roles as School Coordinator, K-2 and Bilingual Guidance Counselor, New York City Department of Education; Consulting School Psychologist, Harlem Dowling Children Services, New York, New York; Customer Service Representative, Service Telecommunications, New York, New York; and Assistant to the CFO, Mt. Vernon, New York, Post Office.
Education
Doctorate in Educational Leadership, Ed.D. -
Esteves School of Education, Russell Sage College
Albany, New YorkMaster of Science in Education - School Psychology
Long Island University
Brooklyn, New YorkMaster of Science in Education - Counseling And Development
Long Island University
Brooklyn, New YorkSkills
- Data Collection and Analysis
- Budget Management
- Performance Improvement
- Staff Hiring, Training and Supervision
- Instructional Strategy Development
- Community and Stakeholder Relations
- Regulatory Compliance
- Grant Writing and Management
- Dispute Resolution
Accomplishments
- Author of “ Examination of Twice-Exceptional Students' Participation In College-Level Courses in the High School .,” published in ProQuest, Esteves School of Education at Russell Sage College.
Affiliations
- Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
- Advisory Board Member @ South Jersey Players, Inc.
- Educational/Business Consultant
Certification
- New York State SAS and SDA Certifications
- New York State Certified School Psychologist
- New York State Certified Guidance Counselor
- New York City Public School Licensed Bilingual Guidance Counselor
- New York City Public School Licensed School Psychologist
Languages
Fluent Spanish
Interests
- Certified in Bikram Yoga
Timeline
EDUCATIONAL/INSTRUCTIONAL LEADER
6-12 CHARTER SCHOOL
01.2025 - 01.2026
PROFESIONAL LEARNING CAPACITY BUILDER
CENTER FOR EDUCATIONAL INNOVATION
01.2023 - Current
Supervisor of Special Education
P.S. 72x, K-5 Elementary School
02.2003 - 08.2003
PRINCIPAL/INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT LEADER
A Designated Blue Ribbon SECONDARY SCHOOL
01.2003 - 01.2020
ASPIRING PRINCIPALS PROGRAM
NEW YORK CITY LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
01.2003 - 01.2004
Doctorate in Educational Leadership, Ed.D. -
Esteves School of Education, Russell Sage College
Master of Science in Education - School Psychology
Long Island University
Master of Science in Education - Counseling And Development
Long Island University
RESEARCH/PUBLICATION
Blige, I. (July 2020). An Examination of Twice-Exceptional Students’ Participation In College-Level Courses in the High School. Esteves School of Education at Russell Sage College.
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimePart TimeGig WorkLocation Preference
On-SiteHybridRemotePROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Harvard University Principals’ Institute
- University of Pennsylvania Principals’ Institute