Carmen Soto
East Stroudsburg
Summary
Visionary school leader with extensive experience in urban education. Increased ELA achievement by 20% and Kindergarten phonics proficiency by 45% through targeted initiatives. Committed to fostering inclusive high-performing school communities by developing teacher capacity and implementing data-driven systems.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Principal
P.S. 86Q
Jamaica
08.2022 - Current
- Drove a 20% increase in ELA achievement (i-Ready EOY) through targeted literacy initiatives
- Increased Kindergarten phonics proficiency by 45% (Acadience) through restructuring instructional time
- Designed and delivered math professional development, leading to up to 40% gains across grades K–2
- Lead instructional programming for PreK–Grade 2, ENL, and cluster departments
- Conduct rigorous teacher observations and coaching aligned to the Danielson Framework
- Developed and implemented ENL after-school programming aligned with Title III mandates to enhance student support
- Expanded family engagement through ESL programs, workshops, and town halls
- Strengthened school safety systems through proactive interventions, reducing incidents by 26%
Assistant Principal
P.S. 123K The Suydam Magnet School for STEAM
Brooklyn
11.2016 - 06.2022
- Implemented RTI structures, resulting in students advancing up to two reading levels within weeks
- Led special education reform efforts, increasing least restrictive environment placements by 6%
- Supervised and evaluated 22 teachers, enhancing instructional capacity through targeted coaching and feedback
- Designed teacher improvement plans integrating professional learning and intervisitations
- Increased school-wide attendance by 10% through strategic monitoring and family outreach
- Facilitated school-wide initiatives, boosting family engagement and strengthening community partnerships
- Led BRT team to ensure compliance and readiness for safety standards across the school
Academic Intervention Teacher / Data Specialist
P.S. 106K
Brooklyn
01.2016 - 12.2016
- Developed Tier 3 interventions that increased student literacy and math performance
- Led data analysis cycles identifying instructional gaps to inform targeted teaching strategies
- Supported assessment systems and instructional planning to ensure alignment with Common Core standards
Classroom Teacher (Bilingual, ICT, General Education)
P.S. 106K
Brooklyn
01.2002 - 12.2016
- Delivered differentiated instruction to diverse learners, enhancing engagement and learning outcomes for ELLs and students with disabilities
- Collaborated on curriculum development to ensure alignment with state standards, supporting educational consistency and quality
- Led school-wide programs and community-building events, fostering a supportive school culture and strengthening community ties
Education
Advanced Certificate - School Building Leadership
The College of Saint Rose
Albany, NYMaster of Science - General Education & Students with Disabilities
Touro College
New York, NYBachelor of Science - Childhood Education (Grades 1–6)
Boricua College
Brooklyn, NYSkills
- Instructional leadership
- Curriculum development
- Data-driven instruction
- Data analysis
- Leadership skills
- Teacher coaching
- Literacy intervention
- Strategic planning
- School administration
- School culture
- Family engagement
- Special education
- Student achievement
- Effective communication
- Conflict resolution
- Performance analysis
Certification
- NYS Professional Certification, School Building Leader (PreK–12)
- NYS Permanent Certification, Common Branch (PreK–6)
- NYC DOE Principal Pool Candidate, 08/01/18
- District 28 Principal Pipeline Participant, 09/01/22 - 06/30/23
Accomplishments
- Improved early literacy outcomes across multiple grade levels using structured phonics and data-driven instruction
- Demonstrated success in closing achievement gaps for ENL and special education students
- Proven ability to build teacher capacity and improve instructional quality
- Established systems that improved attendance, safety, and school culture
Languages
Bilingual: Spanish & English
Leadership Philosophy
Believing is achieving, and achieving is succeeding. I believe all students can succeed when provided with rigorous instruction, targeted support, and a nurturing environment. As a school leader, I am committed to building a culture of high expectations, equity, and continuous growth where students and staff thrive.
Core Leadership Competencies
- Instructional Leadership & School Improvement Planning
- Data Analysis & Accountability Systems
- Staff Development & Teacher Evaluation (Danielson Framework)
- Equity, Diversity, & Inclusive Practices
- Special Education & ENL Program Leadership
- School Culture, Climate & Restorative Practices
- Family & Community Engagement
- School Safety & Crisis Management
Timeline
Assistant Principal
P.S. 86Q
08.2022 - Current
Assistant Principal
P.S. 123K The Suydam Magnet School for STEAM
11.2016 - 06.2022
Academic Intervention Teacher / Data Specialist
P.S. 106K
01.2016 - 12.2016
Classroom Teacher (Bilingual, ICT, General Education)
P.S. 106K
01.2002 - 12.2016
Advanced Certificate - School Building Leadership
The College of Saint Rose
Master of Science - General Education & Students with Disabilities
Touro College
Bachelor of Science - Childhood Education (Grades 1–6)
Boricua College