Dr. Marlene Aponte-Mathews

Dr. Marlene Aponte-Mathews has a diverse range of experience in the education field. Dr. Marlene has held various roles in different organizations throughout their career.

From 2002 to 2004, Dr. Aponte-Mathews worked as a Bilingual Classroom Teacher for the NYC Department of Education. During this time, they delivered instruction in all core subjects to 2nd and 3rd-grade students and also produced a professional development video series.

From 2004 to 2006, they served as an Interventionist and ESL Coordinator for Ann Arbor Public Schools. In this role, they coordinated the ESL program and provided focused literacy and math intervention support to targeted 1st and 2nd-grade students.

From 2007 to 2009, Dr. Aponte-Mathews worked as a Bilingual Early Childhood Teacher for the Pleasantville Community School District. Dr. Marlene organized and delivered thematic units based on early childhood expectations using the Tools of the Mind® curriculum.

In 2009, they joined the Minneapolis Public Schools as an Instructional Specialist. Their responsibilities included accelerating student achievement through the development and execution of a School Improvement Plan, designing and implementing key instructional priorities, and leading professional learning community goals.

In 2013, they served as a Dual Language Program Specialist, Curriculum Developer, and Instructional Specialist for the Minneapolis Public Schools. Dr. Marlene developed strategic plans for improving student outcomes, led district-wide training for curriculum implementation, and coordinated all aspects of Response to Intervention (RtI) systems for the Dual Language Program.

From 2014 to 2017, Dr. Aponte-Mathews worked for the AUSL (Academy for Urban School Leadership) as an English Learner Framework Specialist & Instructional Network Coach. Dr. Marlene advanced student achievement through instructional coaching, improved teacher practice, and designed formative assessments.

In 2017, they were promoted to Director Of Coaching at AUSL. In this role, they had various responsibilities, including overseeing a team of instructional coaches, guiding school leadership teams through improvement processes, and driving implementation of a data-informed model.

From 2019 to 2023, Dr. Aponte-Mathews served as a Principal for the Evanston/Skokie School District 65. As Principal, they provided leadership and managed daily operations at the school.

In 2023, they joined the Partnership for Los Angeles Schools as the Vice President of School Culture. In this role, they oversee school culture initiatives.

Throughout their career, Dr. Marlene Aponte-Mathews has consistently demonstrated a commitment to improving education and student outcomes through their various roles.

Dr. Marlene Aponte-Mathews has a strong educational background in the field of education. Dr. Marlene obtained their Doctor of Education (EdD) degree in Urban Education and Leadership from the University of Illinois Chicago, where they studied from 2017 to 2023. Prior to that, they completed their Master's Degree in Elementary Education and Teaching at the City University of New York-College of Staten Island, from 2000 to 2002. Dr. Marlene also holds a Bachelor's Degree in Pre-Law Studies / English Literature, which they earned from John Jay College (CUNY) from 1991 to 1995.

In addition to their degrees, Dr. Aponte-Mathews has obtained several certifications to enhance their expertise in the field of education. These include a PK-12 Education Administrator certification from the Illinois State Board of Education, obtained in December 2018, an Illinois Professional Educator License obtained in June 2018, a REACH Certified Teacher Evaluator certification received in May 2017, and an Elementary Education License 1-6 from the State of Minnesota, earned in June 2014. These certifications highlight their commitment to professional development and enhancing their skills as an educator.