Milagros D. Garcia-Jackson
Las Vegas
Summary
Dynamic instructional leadership professional with over 10 years of experience dedicated to enhancing student achievement, implementing innovative curricula, and driving school improvement initiatives in diverse middle and high school environments. Columbia University-trained educator with advanced degrees in Organizational Leadership and Social Studies Education, offering a strong foundation in curriculum development, data-informed decision-making, and effective school operations. Recognized for cultivating collaborative relationships among teachers, students, families, and community partners while promoting inclusive and high-performing learning environments. Committed to empowering educators, enriching school culture, and ensuring equitable opportunities for every student to achieve academic and personal success.
Overview
1
1
Certification
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
FAMILY FOCUS
CAREER SABBATICAL
New York, NY
05.2020 - Current
- Dedicated to raising children while remaining actively engaged in educational development and community involvement.
12TH Grade Government/Economic Teacher, 125 students
URBAN ASSEMBLY FOR PERFORMING ARTS
New York, NY
09.2018 - 04.2019
- Designed and implemented a structured government and economics curriculum that adheres to Common Core and New York City instructional guidelines.
- Analyzed student performance data to create formative assessment systems that informed teaching practices and fostered academic growth.
- Implemented strategies to create a classroom atmosphere that encourages critical thinking, supports civic involvement, and upholds high academic standards.
- Coordinated efforts with interdisciplinary teams to refine curriculum alignment and advance instructional effectiveness.
7TH Grade and 8TH Grade Social Studies Teacher, 125 students
PS 96 JOSEPH LANZETTA SCHOOL
New York, NY
09.2016 - 04.2017
- Achieved a 100% student pass rate on middle school Social Studies assessments through inquiry-based instruction and differentiated teaching strategies.
- Designed and implemented rigorous American History curriculum aligned with the New York City 6–12 Social Studies Scope and Sequence, Common Core Learning Standards, and national content standards.
- Developed inquiry-based and document-based learning experiences that strengthened students' critical thinking, historical analysis, research skills, and independent learning.
- Differentiated instruction to meet the academic, social-emotional, and language needs of diverse learners, including students with disabilities and English Language Learners (ELLs).
- Utilized formative and summative assessment data to monitor student progress, identify learning gaps, and adjust instructional strategies to improve academic achievement.
- Collaborated with grade-level instructional teams to analyze student performance data, align curriculum, and implement effective instructional practices that supported school-wide academic goals.
- Fostered a positive classroom culture that promoted student voice, collaboration, problem-solving, and high expectations for learning.
- Partnered with students and families through ongoing communication, academic goal setting, and parent conferences to support student growth and success.
- Maintained comprehensive instructional records, student portfolios, and assessment documentation to support progress monitoring, reporting, and parent engagement.
Pier Diem Social Studies Teacher
NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
New York, NY
09.2010 - 06.2015
- Created instructional materials in accordance with New York State Common Core Standards to enhance educational quality and regulatory adherence.
School Leadership Resident Intern for the 6-12 grade
COLUMBIA SECONDARY SCHOOL FOR MATH, SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
New York, NY
01.2008 - 01.2009
- Assisted the principal in the successful planning and launch of a new grade 6–12 public school, supporting school operations, strategic planning, staffing, scheduling, and organizational development.
- Collaborated in teacher recruitment and hiring, participating in candidate interviews, student admissions, and onboarding processes that supported the school's growth and mission.
- Assisted in developing master schedules for students and staff while ensuring alignment with budgetary guidelines, regulatory requirements, and collective bargaining agreements.
- Supported instructional leadership by participating in classroom observations, teacher feedback conferences, and professional learning initiatives focused on strengthening instructional practices and student achievement.
- Coordinated school-wide events and family engagement initiatives, building partnerships with parents and encouraging meaningful participation in school and after-school programs.
- Collaborated with school leadership on budgeting, student support, and operational planning, gaining experience in decision-making, school governance, and continuous school improvement.
Interim Director of Early College Planning
BOYS AND GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL
Brooklyn, NY
01.2009 - 01.2009
- Developed a new college office to service college bound students.
- Worked with local colleges to enroll students in free SAT prep courses.
- Assisted students how to fill out financial aid forms.
- Coached essay writing and prepared students for college interviews.
- Enrolled students in the “College Now” early college credit program.
- Drafted a guide for successful college preparation
- Organized and led a college fair attended by 90 colleges and universities.
- Provided college counseling to 12th grade students and assisted with their college application process.
- Organized, and assisted with implementing, school-wide PSAT/SAT preparation and administration/registration.
- Monitored data on completion of college applications.
7TH Grade and 8TH Grade Bilingual Social Studies Teacher, 150 students
MANHATTAN MIDDLE SCHOOL FOR SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY
New York, NY
09.2006 - 08.2008
- Designed comprehensive American history curriculum aligned with educational standards, incorporating New York City guidelines and fostering critical thinking through inquiry-based methods.
- Facilitated the development of project-based and inquiry-driven curricula that promoted critical thinking, historical analysis, and independent research skills in students.
- Designed and utilized formative assessments to monitor student progress, assess learning outcomes, and refine instructional approaches for greater academic success.
- Facilitated individualized conferences to strengthen connections with students, focusing on academic success and behavioral development.
- Managed student portfolios and assessment data to enhance instructional planning and track progress.
- Spearheaded creation and execution of comprehensive handbook, fostering effective communication and reinforcing school culture.
Education
Ed.M. - Organizational Leadership, Public School Leadership
Columbia University, Teachers College
New York, NYM.A. - Teaching Social Studies Education
Columbia University, Teachers College
New York, NYB.A. - American History
Columbia University, School of General Studies
New York, NYSkills
- Instructional Leadership & Teacher Development
- Curriculum Design & Standards-Based Instruction
- Data Analysis & Student Achievement
- School Operations & Strategic Planning
- School Culture & Climate
- Teacher Collaboration & Professional Learning
- Student Support & Academic Intervention
- Family & Community Engagement
- Educational Equity & Culturally Responsive Practices
- Project Management & Program Development
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
Accomplishments
- Earned an Ed.M. in Organizational Leadership (Public School Leadership) and an M.A. in Teaching Social Studies Education from Columbia University, Teachers College, preparing for executive leadership in K–12 education.
- Developed expertise in instructional leadership, organizational management, strategic planning, and school improvement through graduate-level leadership training.
- Selected for a competitive School Leadership Residency at Columbia Secondary School for Math, Science & Engineering, partnering directly with the principal to support the launch and daily operations of a new grades 6–12 public school.
- Contributed to teacher recruitment, instructional observations, scheduling, budgeting, student admissions, parent engagement, and school improvement planning.
- Authored a comprehensive 90-page charter school proposal outlining academic programming, governance, operations, finance, and organizational strategy.
- Recruited and led a 10-member founding Board of Trustees responsible for governance and strategic planning.
- Advanced to the final interview stage among more than 100 charter school applicants, with only four organizations invited to present before the review panel.
- Designed rigorous standards-based Social Studies curriculum aligned with New York State and Common Core standards.
- Used formative assessment and differentiated instruction to improve student learning.
- Contributed to an approximate 2% district improvement in middle
- Supported implementation of schoolwide scheduling, staffing, operational planning, compliance, budgeting, and daily administrative functions.
- Assisted leadership with classroom observation cycles, teacher feedback, and professional development initiatives.
- Built strong partnerships with students, families, community organizations, colleges, and nonprofit stakeholders.
- Organized parent engagement initiatives and community events supporting student success.
Educational Leadership Preparation
School Leadership Residency
Charter School Development
Instructional Leadership
School Operations
Community & Family Engagement
Certification
- New York State Department of Education, Initial Certification in 7-12 Social Studies
- Recommendation for NY State School Building Leadership (SBL) Certificate License Pending
Timeline
FAMILY FOCUS
CAREER SABBATICAL
05.2020 - Current
12TH Grade Government/Economic Teacher, 125 students
URBAN ASSEMBLY FOR PERFORMING ARTS
09.2018 - 04.2019
7TH Grade and 8TH Grade Social Studies Teacher, 125 students
PS 96 JOSEPH LANZETTA SCHOOL
09.2016 - 04.2017
Pier Diem Social Studies Teacher
NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
09.2010 - 06.2015
Interim Director of Early College Planning
BOYS AND GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL
01.2009 - 01.2009
School Leadership Resident Intern for the 6-12 grade
COLUMBIA SECONDARY SCHOOL FOR MATH, SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
01.2008 - 01.2009
7TH Grade and 8TH Grade Bilingual Social Studies Teacher, 150 students
MANHATTAN MIDDLE SCHOOL FOR SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY
09.2006 - 08.2008
Ed.M. - Organizational Leadership, Public School Leadership
Columbia University, Teachers College
M.A. - Teaching Social Studies Education
Columbia University, Teachers College
B.A. - American History
Columbia University, School of General Studies
LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES
- 2010 – 2014 Special Project, Harlem Engineering & Applied Science Charter School
- 2010 – 2013 Advisory and Fundraising Board Member, Dome Project
- 2010 – 2012 Mentor-Coach, America Needs You
- 2010 – 2011 Board of Trustees and Chair of Education Committee, Merrick Academy Charter School
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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CERTIFICATION WORKSHOPS
- Child Abuse Identification & Reporting Workshop
- School Violence Prevention & Intervention Workshop
- Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) Workshop