Dr. Edras De Jesús
Executive Head of School
Dr. Edras De Jesús joins HGL ART this fall as the founding Executive Head of School. With a distinguished career spanning over two decades, Dr. De Jesús brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role.
Prior to her appointment at HGL ART, Dr. De Jesús held leadership positions at renowned educational institutions, including School in the Square, Dos Amigos, Bronx Global Learning Institute for Girls, Bank Street Head Start, The Goddard School, and Reade Street Prep. Her contributions to these institutions have been marked by her innovative approaches to early childhood education and her commitment to fostering a nurturing and stimulating learning environment.
A highlight of Dr. De Jesús' career was her foundational work at Avenues: World School, where she served as a founding faculty member and played a pivotal role in developing the immersive bilingual program. Her expertise in early childhood education and language acquisition led her to co-head the creation of the Small World Program, a groundbreaking preschool experience for two-year-olds in a trilingual setting. This innovative program was the culmination of her Master's thesis in Educational Leadership from New York University.
Throughout her career, Dr. De Jesús has demonstrated a deep understanding of child development, curriculum design, and effective pedagogy. She has implemented language learning programs at institutions such as The Dwight School and The Child School, where she has successfully supported students' academic and social-emotional needs. While working at The Child School, a special education school, Dr. De Jesús gained valuable experience in inclusive education and differentiated instruction, which she has applied throughout her career. Prior to her work in New York, Dr. De Jesús established a successful teaching career in her home country of the Dominican Republic, where she honed her skills in differentiated instruction, whole language learning, and multiple intelligences.
Dr. De Jesús has held leadership roles in a variety of educational settings, including all-girls schools, dual language programs, and developmental programs. Her experience in these diverse environments has equipped her with a unique perspective on early childhood education and a deep understanding of the needs of young children.
Dr. De Jesús holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Advertising and Social Sciences from Universidad Católica Santo Domingo and advanced degrees from City College of New York and New York University. Her impressive educational background includes two Master's degrees from New York University in Early Childhood Special Education and Educational Leadership, respectively, as well as a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from City College of New York. Additionally, Dr. De Jesús holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Innovation from NYU Steinhardt. She is also certified in Educational Leadership, Early Childhood, Early Childhood Special Education, and Bilingual Education.
Dr. De Jesús is a proud parent of a preschool-aged son who will also attend HGL ART. Outside of her professional endeavors, she enjoys hand-lettering, drawing, spending time with loved ones, and blogging. Dr. De Jesús is excited to bring her expertise and passion to HGL ART and contribute to the growth and success of the school community.