Tagrid’s Leadership Journey

With nearly three decades in the education field as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, reading coach, instructional specialist, and educational consultant I’ve developed deep expertise in aligning curriculum, instruction, and assessment to ensure consistency and impact students in the early and upper primary grades. My work has focused particularly on strengthening literacy and supporting teachers through coaching and professional learning, especially in diverse and multilingual settings.

I understand how to effectively use data to make calculated instructional decisions that may ultimately change the trajectory for students at risk of reading failure. I am committed to supporting families, teachers and school leaders to help all students achieve at high levels.

I have taught at all grade levels in private and public schools in New York and New Jersey. In my most recent full-time role as Instructional Specialist with the NYC Department of Education, I supervised and supported reading coaches in public schools throughout NYC public schools. I currently provide educational consulting to schools and literacy support to families of school-age children.

I earned a Bachelors in English and a Master’s in Education, with specialization in the teaching of reading, from Brooklyn College in Brooklyn, NY.  I also successfully completed Advanced Studies in Educational Leadership from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY. Further, I earned Teaching Certification Pre-K to 6, Reading Certification Grades K-12, and School Building Leader Certification and School District Leader Certification from New York State.

To learn more about me and my work, you can check out my LinkedIn profile.

My Leadership Style

My leadership style is grounded in the principles of servant leadership, a philosophy first proposed by Robert Greenleaf in his 1970 work entitled, ‘The Servant as a Leader.’ I truly believe that people in an organization promote its success when they are earnestly committed to the vision and mission of the organization. People produce their best work when they are guided by a leader who fully acknowledges their capabilities and values their individual contributions to the team as a whole.

As a servant leader, I have empathy for the people I work with and support. I take time to listen and understand my team members so that I can best serve them and support them. Knowing that people thrive in a positive work culture built on trust, I strive to support others by creating a positive, supportive work environment where every team member feels valued and has access to the necessary tools to succeed. I believe in setting clear expectations and high standards, while also providing the support teachers need to meet those expectations. When teachers feel supported and valued, they are more open to growth, and that ultimately leads to better outcomes for students.

My Philosophy on Education

I truly believe that the best way to eradicate reading failure is to ensure that all teachers are highly qualified and trained in planning and delivery of research-based instructional strategies. Literacy experts agree that knowledgeable teachers are capable of using data to make instructional decisions and produce tangible results with the students in their care. Schools definitely need to provide teachers with access to stellar curricular programs that meet the needs of all students. However, without solid knowledge of literacy content and sound pedagogical practices, teachers cannot leverage learning for their students in spite of accessibility to the best programs.

“Informed teachers are our best insurance against reading failure. While programs are very helpful tools, programs don’t teach; teachers do.” – Dr. Louisa C. Moats

Dr. Louisa C. Moats, a nationally recognized researcher and authority on literacy education and the professional development of teachers, indicates that: “Informed teachers are our best insurance against reading failure. While programs are very helpful tools, programs don’t teach; teachers do.”* Having the best curriculum or the most innovative program will not leverage learning and achievement for our struggling learners unless we adequately train teachers to teach effectively.

Ongoing Learning & Improvement

I genuinely believe in the power of commitment to ongoing growth and improvement. I understand that success breeds success and that a commitment to ongoing learning and improvement fuels an everlasting passion for growth and excellence. I focus on building strong systems—because sustainable improvement doesn’t come from individuals alone, but from consistent structures and processes.

Success is an ongoing journey. If we are truly serious about improving teacher quality and instruction in all schools, then all teachers and school leaders must adopt the mindset of “ongoing learning and improvement.” To get there we need to be constantly open to learning and improvement.

“If we create a culture where every teacher believes they need to improve, not because they are not good enough but because they can be even better, there is no limit to what we can achieve.”   — Dylan Wiliam

If we want to grow professionally and support our students in developing ownership of their learning, then we need to let go of outdated or ineffective practices. We need to be willing to challenge our own perspectives and ideas. We need to be willing to learn and acquire new knowledge and skills. Most importantly, we need not be complacent and keep reading, listening and asking questions. We need to constantly be informed about effective practices that are backed by the science of reading and current research so that we can best support the students we serve.

“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.”  – Alvin Toffler

Knowledgeable and skilled teachers are capable of making data-informed instructional decisions to change the trajectory of students at risk of reading failure. Ultimately, as forward thinking educators and leaders, we need to be adaptable and ready to embrace change to leverage learning for all students in our care.

Wherever you are in your learning journey, I can help you achieve your goals.

Take the first step and get in touch today!