Vanessa Rodriguez is the CEO of NYC Outward Bound Schools (NYCOBS) and began her career in education as a bilingual elementary school teacher in the Bronx and as a chapter leader for the United Federation of Teachers. Vanessa brings expertise in instruction, change management, and talent. Prior to joining NYCOBS, Vanessa was the Chief Program Officer and Interim Chief Executive Officer at Citizens of the World Charter Schools (CWCS). CWCS is a national charter school network that has schools in California and Missouri. She joined CWCS after serving as the Talent Officer of Newark Public Schools.
Previously Vanessa was the Chief Executive Officer of District 79 – Alternative Schools and Programs, a unique citywide network serving disengaged, over-aged, under-credited students within the New York City Department of Education. Vanessa also served as chief of staff and chief operating officer of District 79. Vanessa was the national director of recruitment and admissions for New Leaders where she helped school districts across the country recruit and select exemplary school leaders. She also worked in various capacities for Teach For America, including leadership roles in Houston and New York City. Most importantly, Vanessa is the proud mom of a sixteen-year-old son and she enjoys spending time at basketball games with him.
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Transcend’s Leaps for Equitable, 21st-Century Learning describes the key ways we believe the student experience must change so that schools can prepare all young people to thrive in and transform the world.
Transform Learning with Community-Based Design
Community-based design is a collaborative and local process that brings together young people, educators, administrators, caregivers, and experts to redesign learning. It goes beyond traditional school improvement initiatives by involving the entire community in reshaping...
