Maria Elena Garcia brings school improvement expertise to McREL
September 25, 2007
Denver
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Administrator Maria Elena Garcia has joined Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning (McREL) as a principal consultant in school improvement.
Garcia has over 30 years' experience as a elementary and middle school teacher, a bilingual counselor and advocate, a science and math program coordinator, a professional development specialist, a manager of state and federal grant projects, and an assistant principal. In her most recent position as School Improvement Director for Educational Service District 123 in Pasco, Wash., she worked on school improvement efforts for twenty-three school districts and with low-performing schools statewide, through the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Garcia holds a master's degree in Educational Administration from the University of New Mexico and a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Western New Mexico University.
"I consider it an honor to be working with an organization that is so committed to excellence and in providing quality services that positively impact children," Garcia said. "I hope to utilize my background, experiences, and insight to help educators lead continuous systemic improvement that makes a difference in students' lives."
Initially, Garcia will be working with two projects related to Success in Sight, McREL's comprehensive school improvement program—in Rockingham County, N.C., and with a two-year study which will determine the impact of Success in Sight on student achievement in low-performing schools.
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McREL is a nationally recognized, private, nonprofit organization located in Denver, Colo., dedicated to improving education for all students through applied research, product development and service. In 2006, McREL provided research-based guidance to educators and policymakers in 42 states across the U.S.
