Michele Agosto, Ed.D.
161 Bathurst Drive, Tonawanda,New York
Summary
Accomplished and Visionary Educational Arts and Community Leader with a Doctor of Educational Administration (Ed.D.) and over 20 years of progressive experience driving large-scale arts education initiatives. Proven record as a strategist and builder with deep expertise in rigorous research, innovative practice, and generating scalable, evidence-based solutions. Expertise aligns directly with core leadership requirements:
- Strategic Leadership: Successfully led the development and execution of multi-year strategic plans for arts programs impacting over 32,000 students across 58 schools.
- Partnership Cultivation: Established and managed external arts partnerships, served as the district liaison to the New York State Education Department (SED), and secured local community grants.
- Thought Leadership: Doctoral research focused on equitable access (ELs in AP Arts) and extensive experience in translating rigorous research into innovative practice via national presentations (National Art Education Association).
- Administrative Oversight: Proficient in managing large budgets (up to $1.85 million) and overseeing multidisciplinary teams of educators.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Arts, Division of Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction
Buffalo City School District, Buffalo Public Schools
01.2019 - Current
- Strategic Leadership: Reports directly to the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction, overseeing a staff of approximately 100 educators (Art, Dance, and Theater) and directing K-12 arts programs across 58 schools.
- Fiscal Management & Funding: Managed an annual departmental budget of $1,850,000 for purchasing and contracts; secured a $5,000 grant for program expansion.
- Academic Expansion & Innovation: Designed and secured approval for Five Innovative Arts High School Pathways Programs to diversify career and student graduation pathways.
- Thought Leadership: Designed and executed comprehensive professional development initiatives, training staff in culturally and linguistically restorative teaching practices and translating rigorous research into innovative arts pedagogy.
- External Partnerships: Served as the primary district liaison to the New York State Education Department (SED) and cultivated partnerships across K-12 systems, higher education, and arts organizations, supporting increased community access.
- Led eight-year development and expansion of the district's first expansive grade 4-12 Musical Theater Program
Supervisor of Art Education, Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction
Buffalo City School District, Buffalo Public Schools
01.2004 - 01.2019
- Instructional Supervision: Provided direct supervision and instructional leadership to 89 Art Educators, focusing on pedagogical effectiveness and curriculum delivery.
- Curriculum Management: Assisted in district-level curriculum planning, policy implementation, and resource evaluation specific to visual arts education.
- Policy Support: Participated on the New York State Education Department’s Content Advisory Panel (2017–2019).
Art Educator, Grades 3-8 (Schools #51, #66, and #86)
Buffalo City School District, Buffalo Public Schools
01.1994 - 01.2003
- Designed and delivered engaging, standards-aligned art instruction to diverse student populations.
Education
Doctor of Educational Administration (Ed.D.) - Educational Leadership and Policy
University at Buffalo, State University of New York
Buffalo, NY01.2023
Specialist in Educational Administration (SDA) Certification - School District Administration
University at Buffalo, State University of New York
Buffalo, NY01.2003
Master of Education - Educational Administration
University at Buffalo, State University of New York
Buffalo, NY01.2003
Master of Science in Teaching (M.S.T.) - undefined
Rochester Institute of Technology, School of Art and Design
Rochester, NY01.1994
Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) - Photography
School of Visual Arts
New York, NY01.1992
Skills
- Research & Strategy: Rigorous Research Methodologies, Strategic Planning, Translating Research to Practice, Program Evaluation, Policy Development, Evidence-Based Solutions
- Educational Leadership: School District Administration (SDA Certified), Instructional Coaching, K-12 Systems, Staff Evaluation, Equity & Access, Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Teaching Implementation
- Financial & External: Budget Management ($185M), External Partnership Cultivation, Grant Acquisition, Community Relations, Contracts Management, Sustainable Growth
Websites
Accomplishments
National Art Education Association Supervision & Administration Regional Leader (Elect from 2025-2026, sitting from 2026-2028)
Los Artistas del Barrio Buffalo, Latino/a/x Arts Collective, Co-founder and Exhibiting Member, established 2016
Acknowledged in two books by Jacqueline Albarella: Women in the City of Good Neighbors (2018) and Inspiring Women of Western New York (2022).
Affiliations
National Art Education Association
New York State Art Teachers Association
Musical Theater Educators Alliance
National Dance Education Organization
New York State Theatre Education Association
Timeline
Director of Arts, Division of Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction
Buffalo City School District, Buffalo Public Schools
01.2019 - Current
Supervisor of Art Education, Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction
Buffalo City School District, Buffalo Public Schools
01.2004 - 01.2019
Art Educator, Grades 3-8 (Schools #51, #66, and #86)
Buffalo City School District, Buffalo Public Schools
01.1994 - 01.2003
Specialist in Educational Administration (SDA) Certification - School District Administration
University at Buffalo, State University of New York
Master of Education - Educational Administration
University at Buffalo, State University of New York
Master of Science in Teaching (M.S.T.) - undefined
Rochester Institute of Technology, School of Art and Design
Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) - Photography
School of Visual Arts
Doctor of Educational Administration (Ed.D.) - Educational Leadership and Policy
University at Buffalo, State University of New York
AWARDS & REFERENCES
Awards and Exhibitions gladly submitted upon request.
SELECTED PRESENTATIONS & LEADERSHIP
- National Art Education Association (NAEA) Conference: Administration and Supervision Post-Covid (Minneapolis, MN, 2024)
- NAEA Conferences (2018, 2019): Culturally Responsive Teaching in the Art Classroom Part I & II
- Los Artistas del Barrio Buffalo: Founding Member and Co-Director (2016 – Present)
- Buffalo Arts Studio: Board of Directors (2010 – Present)
- National Art Education Association: Eastern Region Elect for the Supervision and Administration Division (2025–2028)
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
National Football League/Buffalo Bills Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award (2016)
Women in the Arts Award-Honorable NYS Assembly Member Crystal Peoples-Stokes (2018)
Arts Services Initiative of WNY Spark Trailblazer of the Arts Award (2020
Honorary Host and 2nd Grand Marshal of the Puerto Rican and Hispanic Day Parade (2021)
Hispanic Women’s League of WNY Community Service Award (2022)
Graduate
State University of New York - University at Buffalo, Graduate School of Education, Excellence in Community Outreach and Engagement Award (2023)
City of Buffalo’s Women’s History Month Award in the Arts-Honorable Mayor Byron Brown (2024)