Susana R. Rojas
Rutherford,NJ
Summary
Dedicated educational leader with a proven track record in driving innovation and spearheading successful initiatives to enhance student learning outcomes. Skilled in fostering a positive and welcoming school culture while prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion. A lifelong learner committed to staying abreast of emerging trends and best practices in education. Demonstrated ability in collaborating with key stakeholders to evaluate school needs and develop programming that aligns with the mission and vision of the district. Proficient in curriculum development, staff management, and providing professional development opportunities to enhance faculty capabilities and student experiences.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Supervisor
Union City Public Schools, Sara M. Gilmore Academy
2018.09 - Current
- Supervise 397 students in Grades 1-8 and 60 staff at a two-time Blue Ribbon School
- Analyze data-driven assessment results from Study Island, Edconnect, Let's Go Learn, NJSLA, and Start Strong to create school improvement action plans and provide suggestions/feedback resulting in 75% at or above proficient in Math and 95% at or above proficient in Reading
- Devised a data-driven Peer Tutoring program for Grades 1-8 with a focus on achieving above-level proficiency in Reading and Math, which resulted in a 2020 ESEA Network Distinguished School achievement
- Implement and supervise extended day programs to meet the academic needs of students, including academic enrichment and acceleration, STEAM, arts integration, and public speaking programs
- Support execution and transparency of protocols and reporting - budgeting, scheduling, testing, curriculum and supply ordering, and all day-to-day school operations
- Serve on the ScIP Team, working collaboratively with administration to design and prioritize goals of the ASP
- Execute formal and informal observations of teachers, focused on the Union City Teacher Effectiveness Framework, to provide actionable feedback and suggestions for improving practice and meeting school-wide & DOE goals
- Implement a Bilingual Curriculum and administer ACCESS testing to determine English Language Proficiency
- Serve as a Team Leader on the School Safety Team and Code Blue Team, coordinating education, materials, and communications while responsible for drills and emergencies related to medical and school safety needs
- Coordinate school-wide 504 plans; work with teachers, nurses, CST, and parents to implement accommodations and modifications
- Design and manage the application process for the district Gifted and Talented Arts Integrated Program alongside the Hudson County Gifted and Talented Consortium
- Facilitate arts partnerships with MET Opera, Carnegie Hall, Ballet Hispanico, and Dancing Classrooms
- Supervise & support curriculum development in Grades 1-5 ELA, Math, and STEM and Grades 1-8 Phys Ed and ESL
- Coordinate bi-weekly grade-level meetings and weekly new teacher support and mentorship
- Counsel 8th Grade students regarding high school applications, interviews, and portfolios
- Manage proactive and reactive discipline needs across grade levels alongside the Dean of Students
- Maintain the school fund and checkbook; process payroll for support staff
- Create and present parent and teacher workshops on Literacy, Home/School Connections, Mindfulness, and Growth Mindset in conjunction with the PTO
Master Teacher/Classroom Teacher
Union City Public Schools / The Learning Depot
1999.09 - 2017.06
- Planned and implemented integrated lessons to meet NJ State Learning Standards standards
- Coached teachers in Pre-K-3rd Grade on curriculum implementation, classroom management, and classroom design
- Researched and delivered workshops for parents and teachers on child development, behavior management, conflict resolution, Literacy, and Math.
- Organized field trips, guest speakers, and after-school programs relevant to course content, enriching students' overall learning experience by connecting concepts taught in class with real-world applications.
- Contributed to school-wide improvement initiatives by serving on various committees focused on curriculum development, assessment strategies, and professional development opportunities.
- Provided constructive feedback to students through consistent formative assessments, enabling them to improve their skills and understanding of course material continuously.
- Promoted a positive classroom environment that encouraged critical thinking skills by implementing inquiry-based instructional approaches.
- Implemented differentiated instruction techniques to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities within the classroom, ensuring that all students could access the curriculum effectively
- Established positive relationships with parents through regular communication and conferences, promoting a supportive home-school connection for student success.
Early Childhood Program Director
The Learning Depot
1997.09 - 1999.08
- Coached teachers and teacher aides in developmentally appropriate instruction and implementation of curriculum
- Managed and scheduled a staff of 20 employees
- Created a developmentally appropriate afterschool curriculum for ages 6-12
- Engaged with parents and families to build positive relationships for children to thrive.
- Ensured compliance with state licensing regulations, NJ State Food Program, and the Urban League of NJ through diligent monitoring and timely reporting.
Education
Master's Degree - Teaching
Montclair State University
Upper Montclair, NJ05.2003
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ05.1997
Skills
- Student performance data analysis
- Curriculum development
- Staff development, evaluation, and leadership
- NJSLA readiness planning and preparation
- Co-curricular activities and extended day program development
- Classroom management and design
- Conflict Resolution in Grades PK-8
- Community engagement and relationship building
- Google Suite, Powerschool, and Schoology proficiency
- Fluent in Spanish
Certification
- NJ Certificate of Eligibility - Principal, K-12
- NJ Standard Supervisor Certificate - K-12
- NJ Standard English as a Second Language Certificate - K-12
- NJ Standard Teaching Certificates - K-6, P-3
References
- Geraldine Perez, Assistant Superintendent, Union City Public Schools, Union City, NJ. geperez@ucboe.us, 551-482-0957
- Angela Ottomanelli-Medina, Principal, Henry Hudson School, Union City, NJ. aottomanellimedina@ucboe.us, 201-248-4319
- Chris Albiez, Principal, Bogota Middle School, Bogota, NJ. calbiez@bogotaboe.com, 201-441-4823
- Robert Spat, Assistant Principal, Rafael Hernandez Elementary School, Newark, NJ. rspat@nps.k12.nj.us, 551-655-8970
Timeline
Supervisor
Union City Public Schools, Sara M. Gilmore Academy
2018.09 - Current
Master Teacher/Classroom Teacher
Union City Public Schools / The Learning Depot
1999.09 - 2017.06
Early Childhood Program Director
The Learning Depot
1997.09 - 1999.08
Master's Degree - Teaching
Montclair State University
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Rutgers University
- NJ Certificate of Eligibility - Principal, K-12
- NJ Standard Supervisor Certificate - K-12
- NJ Standard English as a Second Language Certificate - K-12
- NJ Standard Teaching Certificates - K-6, P-3
Similar Profiles
Jacqueline WilliamsJacqueline Williams
Network Lead ESL Teacher at Journey Community Schools East Academy (Formerly Aspire Public Schools)Network Lead ESL Teacher at Journey Community Schools East Academy (Formerly Aspire Public Schools)
Kathryn EarpKathryn Earp
District Section 504 and Compliance Administrator at Union County Public SchoolsDistrict Section 504 and Compliance Administrator at Union County Public Schools
Howard Scarborough JrHoward Scarborough Jr
Head Freshman Football Coach at Union Public SchoolsHead Freshman Football Coach at Union Public Schools