Executive Team
Miguel Pabón, President
Miguel Pabón serves as Assistant Superintendent of CREC Magnet Schools, where he provides districtwide leadership with a primary focus on special education and pupil services. In this role, he works to ensure that all students—particularly those with diverse learning needs—receive the support, access, and opportunities necessary to succeed.
Originally from Puerto Rico and raised in Connecticut, Miguel is a bilingual and bicultural educational leader with nearly three decades of experience in urban education. He began his career with Hartford Public Schools as a bilingual school psychologist, serving for nine years before transitioning into educational leadership.
Since 2005, Miguel has held leadership positions in Hartford, CREC, Windham, and Waterbury. His roles have included Coordinator of Psychological Services, Assistant Principal, Special Education Supervisor, Supervisor of Special Education and Pupil Services, and Director of Pupil Services. Before returning to CREC in his current role, he served as Director of Pupil Services for both Windham and Waterbury Public Schools.
Miguel earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut, a master’s degree and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (C.A.G.S.) in School Psychology from Northeastern University, and a Sixth-Year Certificate in Educational Leadership from Central Connecticut State University. He is also a graduate of Cohort XV of the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents’ Superintendent Leadership Academy (SLA), a national program dedicated to preparing and supporting Latino educational leaders for executive-level leadership.
Miguel is an active member of the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS) and currently serves as President of the Connecticut Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (CALAS). He is also a 2026 recipient of the 100 Men of Color Award, which recognizes men whose leadership, service, and achievements have made a meaningful difference in their communities.
A passionate advocate for educational equity, Miguel is committed to maintaining high expectations, expanding equitable opportunities, and removing barriers for historically underserved students, particularly students with disabilities. He is dedicated to cultivating inclusive learning environments in which every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Originally from Puerto Rico and raised in Connecticut, Miguel is a bilingual and bicultural educational leader with nearly three decades of experience in urban education. He began his career with Hartford Public Schools as a bilingual school psychologist, serving for nine years before transitioning into educational leadership.
Since 2005, Miguel has held leadership positions in Hartford, CREC, Windham, and Waterbury. His roles have included Coordinator of Psychological Services, Assistant Principal, Special Education Supervisor, Supervisor of Special Education and Pupil Services, and Director of Pupil Services. Before returning to CREC in his current role, he served as Director of Pupil Services for both Windham and Waterbury Public Schools.
Miguel earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut, a master’s degree and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (C.A.G.S.) in School Psychology from Northeastern University, and a Sixth-Year Certificate in Educational Leadership from Central Connecticut State University. He is also a graduate of Cohort XV of the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents’ Superintendent Leadership Academy (SLA), a national program dedicated to preparing and supporting Latino educational leaders for executive-level leadership.
Miguel is an active member of the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS) and currently serves as President of the Connecticut Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (CALAS). He is also a 2026 recipient of the 100 Men of Color Award, which recognizes men whose leadership, service, and achievements have made a meaningful difference in their communities.
A passionate advocate for educational equity, Miguel is committed to maintaining high expectations, expanding equitable opportunities, and removing barriers for historically underserved students, particularly students with disabilities. He is dedicated to cultivating inclusive learning environments in which every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Adela Jorge , President-Elect
Ms. Adela Jorge Ferguson became Principal of Roberto Clemente Leadership Academy for Global Studies in New Haven, CT in November, 2023. She is formerly the Supervisor of Bilingual/ESOL Education for the Waterbury Public Schools, a district where she spent over 25 years of her career. In this role, she ensured district compliance with local and federal mandates pertaining to English Learners, including the acquisition and management of federal and state grants and the administration of the annual English Language Proficiency assessment to the district’s approximate 3100 ELs. She also developed. coordinated and implemented district-wide professional development in best practices for teaching English Learners, including second language acquisition, differentiation, Sheltered Instruction, and the alignment of the Connecticut English Language Proficiency Standards with Connecticut Core Standards.
Adela is a skilled urban educator with over 25 years of teaching and leading experience. Since 1995, she has served as a Bilingual teacher, Vice Principal, Master Mentor, and Curriculum Supervisor. As a Bilingual teacher, she used her personal experiences as a Bilingual student to create safe spaces where children could learn and grow while benefiting from classroom practices that removed language barriers and provided equitable access to quality education. During her tenure as a teacher, she earned various degrees, including a M. Ed in Elementary Education from the University of Hartford, and a 6th year degree in Educational Leadership and Supervision from Sacred Heart University.
In 2004, Adela became Vice-Principal of Bucks Hill Elementary School, where she dedicated her time to ensuring parents felt welcomed in the school, students received linguistically and culturally responsive education, and teachers felt supported as they developed the necessary skills to effectively teach diverse students. In 2007, she was promoted to the position of Supervisor of the Bilingual/ESOL Education Department, where she has furthered efforts to provide English Learners with talented and highly qualified personnel.
Adela is a passionate advocate for providing all children with equitable opportunities for success by ensuring access to a high quality education. One of her greatest accomplishments is supporting potential teacher candidates as they navigate the process of attaining Bilingual/TESOL teacher certification. While this particular certification area is the number one teacher shortage area in Connecticut, her efforts led to Waterbury Public Schools successfully hiring 33 new Bilingual/ESOL certified teachers since 2015. She was also featured on WNPR as a Bilingual Teacher Recruitment and Development Expert.
Adela is deeply invested in promoting equity in educational systems, and is devoted to building partnerships that lead to positive outcomes for students, educators, families and the community. She has served as a member of the Core Planning Group of the English Language Learners Alliance for the Regional Education Laboratory, North East and Islands, as well as contributed to the development of the Connecticut Seal of Bi-literacy, and the writing of the Connecticut English Language Proficiency (CELP) Standards. She recently served as the First Co-chair of the CT Administrators of Programs for English Language Learners (CAPELL) and currently serves on the Board of the Hispanic Coalition of Greater Waterbury.
Adela has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions, including the Kellogg Lodge No. 5, Free and Accepted Masons’ 2018 Masonic Leadership and Trailblazer Award, the 2017 CT Parent Power’s Bilingual/Bicultural Leadership Hero Award, and the 2016 Greater Waterbury NAACP 30 Virtuous Women Award for Outstanding Service to the Community. In 2012, she received the Hispanic Coalition of Greater Waterbury’s Coqui Award for Excellence in Education, as well as was the recipient of UConn’s REALL Fellowship. She is proud to have been selected as the 2016 City of Waterbury Puerto Rican Mayor for a Day honoree.
Dr. Madeline Negrón, Vice-President
Dr. Madeline Negrón currently serves as the proud Superintendent for New Haven Public Schools. Her personal experience as an English language learner in the CT educational system has resulted in her passion for equity in schools. Dr. Negrón has over 25 years of public education experience, consisting of elementary and secondary instruction, as well as school level and central office level leadership, resulting in expertise leading systemic strategies aimed at improving the quality of teaching of learning.
Prior to her role as Superintendent, Dr. Negron served as the Chief Academic Officer for Hartford Public Schools and as a Director of Instruction and Director of Early Childhood in the New Haven Public Schools. She also led one of New Haven’s largest magnet high schools, Hill Regional Career Magnet High School. During her leadership, the school was ranked among the top high schools in Connecticut. Career High School achieved district School Change Tier I status for its high student achievement, as defined by its graduation rate, college enrollment rate and college persistence rate.
Prior to Career High School, she was the principal of Windham Middle School. In this position, Dr. Negrón developed a highly successful sheltered instruction team to meet the needs of multilingual learners and worked diligently to design and deliver Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) training for all middle school staff. She began her career as a bilingual teacher and has worked both as an assistant principal and principal at the middle school level and as a high school principal.
She earned a BA in Spanish from Central Connecticut State University, a Master’s in Education and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Connecticut and completed the Executive Leadership Program at the University of Connecticut. Dr. Negrón was recently recognized by EdWeek in Leaders to Learn From Class of 2022. In 2014, Dr. Negrón was awarded the LEAD CT Policy and Practice Fellow for proven results as an educational leader and selected as a distinguished group of fifteen school and district leaders in CT. In 2013, she was awarded the Educational Policy Fellowship Program fellow (EPFP) based on a record reflecting strong leadership abilities and a concern for improving the life chances of children and youth.
Prior to her role as Superintendent, Dr. Negron served as the Chief Academic Officer for Hartford Public Schools and as a Director of Instruction and Director of Early Childhood in the New Haven Public Schools. She also led one of New Haven’s largest magnet high schools, Hill Regional Career Magnet High School. During her leadership, the school was ranked among the top high schools in Connecticut. Career High School achieved district School Change Tier I status for its high student achievement, as defined by its graduation rate, college enrollment rate and college persistence rate.
Prior to Career High School, she was the principal of Windham Middle School. In this position, Dr. Negrón developed a highly successful sheltered instruction team to meet the needs of multilingual learners and worked diligently to design and deliver Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) training for all middle school staff. She began her career as a bilingual teacher and has worked both as an assistant principal and principal at the middle school level and as a high school principal.
She earned a BA in Spanish from Central Connecticut State University, a Master’s in Education and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Connecticut and completed the Executive Leadership Program at the University of Connecticut. Dr. Negrón was recently recognized by EdWeek in Leaders to Learn From Class of 2022. In 2014, Dr. Negrón was awarded the LEAD CT Policy and Practice Fellow for proven results as an educational leader and selected as a distinguished group of fifteen school and district leaders in CT. In 2013, she was awarded the Educational Policy Fellowship Program fellow (EPFP) based on a record reflecting strong leadership abilities and a concern for improving the life chances of children and youth.
Dr. Aneury "Reese" Morales, Secretary
Dr. Aneury “Reese” Morales is a dynamic bilingual educational leader and equity advocate with 28 years of experience in K–12 education. Currently serving as Director of Communications and Community Outreach for Ansonia Public Schools, he has dedicated his career to improving student outcomes, strengthening family engagement, and advancing culturally responsive education.
Raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Dr. Morales began his leadership journey as founder of ASPIRA at Warren Harding High School and later held leadership roles with Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. and numerous community organizations. Throughout his career, he has championed multilingual learners, immigrant families, and underserved communities across Connecticut.
His accomplishments include reducing district expulsions through restorative practices, founding Ansonia Family University, and securing funding for HBCU and Civil Rights educational tours. A member of the prestigious Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents Superintendents Leadership Academy Cohort XV, Dr. Morales is recognized nationally for his leadership in equity and educational excellence.
Raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Dr. Morales began his leadership journey as founder of ASPIRA at Warren Harding High School and later held leadership roles with Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. and numerous community organizations. Throughout his career, he has championed multilingual learners, immigrant families, and underserved communities across Connecticut.
His accomplishments include reducing district expulsions through restorative practices, founding Ansonia Family University, and securing funding for HBCU and Civil Rights educational tours. A member of the prestigious Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents Superintendents Leadership Academy Cohort XV, Dr. Morales is recognized nationally for his leadership in equity and educational excellence.
Lillian Fontán, Executive Director
Ms. Lillian Fontan is the retired principal of Hill Central School in New Haven, Connecticut. Prior to this she was an assistant principal. She has had a multitude of experiences serving high need students as a bilingual teacher, ESL teacher, Dual Language Coordinator, a district high school ELL instructional coach, and as a core member of CT READS. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Spanish, a Master's in TESOL and Bilingual Education, and a 6th Year in Educational Leadership from Southern Connecticut State University. She has 39 years of experience in K-12 settings.
Professional development has been a focus in her career, as she has been instrumental in the implementation of the Sheltered Content Model at the high school level. Her work includes a strong partnership with Dr. Liliana Minaya-Rowe, who played a major role in a whole school implementation of the SIOP Plus Model at Hill Central School. Moreover, she has trained district coaches and worked as a consultant with principals in Hartford. Lastly, she has also presented at SERC and for the Waterbury Public Schools.
Her most recent accomplishment has been exiting turnaround status. In addition, her school received a TAPS Award for effective leadership and teacher teams. Her mantra is "Teamwork breeds success." She continues to strive for excellence and values shared leadership, professional collaboration, high quality instruction, and teacher efficacy in helping to make a difference in the lives of students. She has a passion and professional expertise in quality second language instruction as a second language learner herself. She is highly committed to developing the next generation of Latino leaders who will be equipped to lead and make a difference in students' lives.
Professional development has been a focus in her career, as she has been instrumental in the implementation of the Sheltered Content Model at the high school level. Her work includes a strong partnership with Dr. Liliana Minaya-Rowe, who played a major role in a whole school implementation of the SIOP Plus Model at Hill Central School. Moreover, she has trained district coaches and worked as a consultant with principals in Hartford. Lastly, she has also presented at SERC and for the Waterbury Public Schools.
Her most recent accomplishment has been exiting turnaround status. In addition, her school received a TAPS Award for effective leadership and teacher teams. Her mantra is "Teamwork breeds success." She continues to strive for excellence and values shared leadership, professional collaboration, high quality instruction, and teacher efficacy in helping to make a difference in the lives of students. She has a passion and professional expertise in quality second language instruction as a second language learner herself. She is highly committed to developing the next generation of Latino leaders who will be equipped to lead and make a difference in students' lives.
Dr. Maribel Olivero, Past-President
Dr. Maribel Olivero was born in Puerto Rico and grew up in Hartford, Connecticut. Dr. Olivero is currently the Director of Equity and Languages at the Connecticut State Department of Education where she is leading the development of world language standards and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives statewide. She also plays a pivotal role in supporting multilingual learner programs and the implementation of the African American/Black and Puerto Rican/Latino course of studies.
With over 20 years of dedicated service in education, Maribel has made significant contributions to the field through her extensive experience and unwavering commitment to student success. Her extensive experience, deep knowledge, and passion for education make her a respected leader and advocate for underserved populations. Dr. Olivero has been an educator for over 20 years and began her career as a Bilingual Teacher at New London High School.
Throughout her tenure with New London Public Schools, Maribel has demonstrated exceptional leadership and versatility. Her roles have spanned across various administrative positions at the elementary, middle and high school levels including Dean of Students, Principal, Director of Operations, Director of International Education and Dual Language, and as the district’s Director of Bilingual Education, ESOL, and World Languages.
She holds a Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts, and Sixth-Year Diploma from the University of Connecticut, as well as a Doctor of Education from the University of Hartford. Dr. Maribel Olivero is dedicated to pursuing excellence in all her endeavors and maintains a passionate and unwavering commitment to making a difference.
With over 20 years of dedicated service in education, Maribel has made significant contributions to the field through her extensive experience and unwavering commitment to student success. Her extensive experience, deep knowledge, and passion for education make her a respected leader and advocate for underserved populations. Dr. Olivero has been an educator for over 20 years and began her career as a Bilingual Teacher at New London High School.
Throughout her tenure with New London Public Schools, Maribel has demonstrated exceptional leadership and versatility. Her roles have spanned across various administrative positions at the elementary, middle and high school levels including Dean of Students, Principal, Director of Operations, Director of International Education and Dual Language, and as the district’s Director of Bilingual Education, ESOL, and World Languages.
She holds a Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts, and Sixth-Year Diploma from the University of Connecticut, as well as a Doctor of Education from the University of Hartford. Dr. Maribel Olivero is dedicated to pursuing excellence in all her endeavors and maintains a passionate and unwavering commitment to making a difference.
Dr. Daisy Torres-Hill, Past-President
Dr. Daisy Torres-Hill most recently served as Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning in Hartford Public Schools, one of Connecticut’s largest districts. In this role, she provided leadership in curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional learning. She also designed and implemented the Hartford Principal and Assistant Principal Leadership Academies—innovative pipeline programs that strengthen instructional leadership and build internal capacity to retain and grow school leaders. Dr. Torres-Hill is a bilingual (English & Spanish) educator with 25 years of experience across elementary, middle, high school, and higher education in urban school settings.
Under her leadership since 2018, more than 800 Hartford students have earned the Seal of Biliteracy in recognition of their multilingualism in two or more languages. She also spearheaded recruitment and retention efforts to diversify talent, including bringing 16 teachers from Puerto Rico through the Paso a Paso program and four international educators under Connecticut’s Visiting International Teachers Permit.
Prior to Hartford, she served as Director of Bilingual, ESOL, World Language & Parent Engagement for New London Public Schools, where she launched the district’s first-ever Parent University, introduced Latinos in Action—a college and career readiness program for middle school students—and led program development for the district’s K–12 Dual Language and International Studies Magnet Pathway.
In 2019, she published her first bilingual (Spanish & English) children’s book with 1010 Publishing, I’ll See You On The Bridge, a heartfelt story about a young boy, the bond with his dog, and navigating pet loss. Proceeds from the book fund a scholarship for a graduating Latino/a/x senior from her alma mater, Maloney High School in Meriden, CT, pursuing a degree in education.
Dr. Torres-Hill has been recognized nationally and locally for her leadership. In 2022, she was awarded the $10,000 ALAS–Curriculum Associates Scholarship to support completion of her doctoral program, and in 2018, she received the Outstanding Educator Leadership Award from the Connecticut Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (CALAS).
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, and a Master of Arts in TESOL/Multicultural and Bilingual Education from Southern Connecticut State University, as well as a Sixth Year Professional Diploma in Educational Leadership. She earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University of Connecticut, where her research, El Poder de las Historias y los Testimonios, explores the lived experiences of Latina superintendents through pláticas.
Under her leadership since 2018, more than 800 Hartford students have earned the Seal of Biliteracy in recognition of their multilingualism in two or more languages. She also spearheaded recruitment and retention efforts to diversify talent, including bringing 16 teachers from Puerto Rico through the Paso a Paso program and four international educators under Connecticut’s Visiting International Teachers Permit.
Prior to Hartford, she served as Director of Bilingual, ESOL, World Language & Parent Engagement for New London Public Schools, where she launched the district’s first-ever Parent University, introduced Latinos in Action—a college and career readiness program for middle school students—and led program development for the district’s K–12 Dual Language and International Studies Magnet Pathway.
In 2019, she published her first bilingual (Spanish & English) children’s book with 1010 Publishing, I’ll See You On The Bridge, a heartfelt story about a young boy, the bond with his dog, and navigating pet loss. Proceeds from the book fund a scholarship for a graduating Latino/a/x senior from her alma mater, Maloney High School in Meriden, CT, pursuing a degree in education.
Dr. Torres-Hill has been recognized nationally and locally for her leadership. In 2022, she was awarded the $10,000 ALAS–Curriculum Associates Scholarship to support completion of her doctoral program, and in 2018, she received the Outstanding Educator Leadership Award from the Connecticut Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (CALAS).
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, and a Master of Arts in TESOL/Multicultural and Bilingual Education from Southern Connecticut State University, as well as a Sixth Year Professional Diploma in Educational Leadership. She earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University of Connecticut, where her research, El Poder de las Historias y los Testimonios, explores the lived experiences of Latina superintendents through pláticas.
Dr. Evelyn Robles-Rivas, Past-President
Dr. Evelyn Robles-Rivas, Ph.D. is the current Director of the Office of Multilingual Learner Services for New Haven Public Schools. Prior to this role, she served as the Supervisor of Language & Community Partnerships in Meriden Public Schools. She is also the former principal of Worthington Hooker School in New Haven, CT. She was very supportive of the arts integration and played an active role coaching teachers, helping them identify best practices to develop students’ reading and writing skills and implementing integrated units based on an arts integration model. Through these methods, along with her leadership style, she helped keep this highly diverse school as a creative and productive place where all students succeeded.
Previously, Dr. Robles-Rivas was the Title VII Coordinator and Staff Developer in the Bilingual/ESOL Education Department at the Waterbury Public Schools. In this role, she coordinated curriculum and staff development projects for all bilingual, ESOL teachers. She is also an adjunct professor at SCSU Leadership program, and was an adjunct professor of methods and curriculum in the Connecticut's Alternative Route to Certification Program.
Dr. Robles-Rivas’ expertise, research activities and conference presentations include standard-based curriculum, sheltered instruction, and standards for effective pedagogy, supervision of teacher and arts integration into the curriculum. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Puerto Rico, a Master of Arts Degree in Education, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Connecticut.
Dr. Robles-Rivas is devoted to serving and giving back to her community. She is a board member at the Spanish Community of Wallingford, SCOW, and a former board member of Junta for Progressive Action in New Haven. In 2015, Dr. Robles-Rivas’ contributions to the Latino community were formally recognized by the Progreso Latino Fund (PLF) .
Previously, Dr. Robles-Rivas was the Title VII Coordinator and Staff Developer in the Bilingual/ESOL Education Department at the Waterbury Public Schools. In this role, she coordinated curriculum and staff development projects for all bilingual, ESOL teachers. She is also an adjunct professor at SCSU Leadership program, and was an adjunct professor of methods and curriculum in the Connecticut's Alternative Route to Certification Program.
Dr. Robles-Rivas’ expertise, research activities and conference presentations include standard-based curriculum, sheltered instruction, and standards for effective pedagogy, supervision of teacher and arts integration into the curriculum. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Puerto Rico, a Master of Arts Degree in Education, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Connecticut.
Dr. Robles-Rivas is devoted to serving and giving back to her community. She is a board member at the Spanish Community of Wallingford, SCOW, and a former board member of Junta for Progressive Action in New Haven. In 2015, Dr. Robles-Rivas’ contributions to the Latino community were formally recognized by the Progreso Latino Fund (PLF) .
Dr. Madeline Negrón, Past-President
Dr. Madeline Negrón currently serves as the proud Superintendent for New Haven Public Schools. Her personal experience as an English language learner in the CT educational system has resulted in her passion for equity in schools. Dr. Negrón has over 25 years of public education experience, consisting of elementary and secondary instruction, as well as school level and central office level leadership, resulting in expertise leading systemic strategies aimed at improving the quality of teaching of learning.
Prior to her role as Superintendent, Dr. Negron served as the Chief Academic Officer for Hartford Public Schools and as a Director of Instruction and Director of Early Childhood in the New Haven Public Schools. She also led one of New Haven’s largest magnet high schools, Hill Regional Career Magnet High School. During her leadership, the school was ranked among the top high schools in Connecticut. Career High School achieved district School Change Tier I status for its high student achievement, as defined by its graduation rate, college enrollment rate and college persistence rate.
Prior to Career High School, she was the principal of Windham Middle School. In this position, Dr. Negrón developed a highly successful sheltered instruction team to meet the needs of multilingual learners and worked diligently to design and deliver Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) training for all middle school staff. She began her career as a bilingual teacher and has worked both as an assistant principal and principal at the middle school level and as a high school principal.
She earned a BA in Spanish from Central Connecticut State University, a Master’s in Education and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Connecticut and completed the Executive Leadership Program at the University of Connecticut. Dr. Negrón was recently recognized by EdWeek in Leaders to Learn From Class of 2022. In 2014, Dr. Negrón was awarded the LEAD CT Policy and Practice Fellow for proven results as an educational leader and selected as a distinguished group of fifteen school and district leaders in CT. In 2013, she was awarded the Educational Policy Fellowship Program fellow (EPFP) based on a record reflecting strong leadership abilities and a concern for improving the life chances of children and youth.
Prior to her role as Superintendent, Dr. Negron served as the Chief Academic Officer for Hartford Public Schools and as a Director of Instruction and Director of Early Childhood in the New Haven Public Schools. She also led one of New Haven’s largest magnet high schools, Hill Regional Career Magnet High School. During her leadership, the school was ranked among the top high schools in Connecticut. Career High School achieved district School Change Tier I status for its high student achievement, as defined by its graduation rate, college enrollment rate and college persistence rate.
Prior to Career High School, she was the principal of Windham Middle School. In this position, Dr. Negrón developed a highly successful sheltered instruction team to meet the needs of multilingual learners and worked diligently to design and deliver Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) training for all middle school staff. She began her career as a bilingual teacher and has worked both as an assistant principal and principal at the middle school level and as a high school principal.
She earned a BA in Spanish from Central Connecticut State University, a Master’s in Education and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Connecticut and completed the Executive Leadership Program at the University of Connecticut. Dr. Negrón was recently recognized by EdWeek in Leaders to Learn From Class of 2022. In 2014, Dr. Negrón was awarded the LEAD CT Policy and Practice Fellow for proven results as an educational leader and selected as a distinguished group of fifteen school and district leaders in CT. In 2013, she was awarded the Educational Policy Fellowship Program fellow (EPFP) based on a record reflecting strong leadership abilities and a concern for improving the life chances of children and youth.
Dr. Abie Benítez, Past-President
Ms. Abie Lane Benitez has extensive experience in school administration, instructional coaching and program development. She earned a BA in Psychology from the University of Puerto Rico, a Master’s in Education at University of Pittsburgh, an advanced degree in Counseling at Fairfield University and a Ph. D. in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Connecticut. Dr. Benitez’ passion is to create opportunities for teachers to develop skills that will facilitate increased student ownership of the learning process. She believes that science, art and culture are stimulating ways to engage the brain while increasing the learner’s capacity in other academic areas.
Throughout her career, Dr. Benitez has provided strong leadership on access to the mainstream curriculum for linguistically diverse students. In collaboration with staff and parents, Dr. Benitez built a community of learners where students seize their capacity to learn in a safe environment and their families are partners with educators in facilitating this experience. In 2002, the American Educational Research Association awarded her the Best Bilingual Education Dissertation Award. The same year the government of Puerto Rico named Dr. Benitez Illustrious Woman of Puerto Rico. In addition to other awards, she’s been the recipient of the ELM/Ivy Award given by Yale University and the City of New Haven and the Heritage Award given by the New Haven Board of Alders Black and Hispanic Caucus.
Most recently, Dr. Benitez was the Director of Instruction in the New Haven Public Schools in charge of a portfolio of schools, as well as supporting all schools with a high prevalence of English language learners. Prior to serving as a Director of Instruction, she served for over 10 years as the principal of the Christopher Columbus Family Academy, a dual language school. Over the years, she has held various positions such as Curriculum, Staff Developer and Coordinator, Title I Consultant, Guidance Counselor, and Adult Education teacher.
Throughout her career, Dr. Benitez has provided strong leadership on access to the mainstream curriculum for linguistically diverse students. In collaboration with staff and parents, Dr. Benitez built a community of learners where students seize their capacity to learn in a safe environment and their families are partners with educators in facilitating this experience. In 2002, the American Educational Research Association awarded her the Best Bilingual Education Dissertation Award. The same year the government of Puerto Rico named Dr. Benitez Illustrious Woman of Puerto Rico. In addition to other awards, she’s been the recipient of the ELM/Ivy Award given by Yale University and the City of New Haven and the Heritage Award given by the New Haven Board of Alders Black and Hispanic Caucus.
Most recently, Dr. Benitez was the Director of Instruction in the New Haven Public Schools in charge of a portfolio of schools, as well as supporting all schools with a high prevalence of English language learners. Prior to serving as a Director of Instruction, she served for over 10 years as the principal of the Christopher Columbus Family Academy, a dual language school. Over the years, she has held various positions such as Curriculum, Staff Developer and Coordinator, Title I Consultant, Guidance Counselor, and Adult Education teacher.
