Meet Maritsa

My Leadership Story

As a child growing up, education meant everything to me. I was the first in my family to go to college. My Cuban and Puerto Rican roots inspired me to make a difference for my community. Teachers gave me hope and because of them I excelled! Through hard work and the pursuit of the American Dream at the age of 17, I proudly attended New York University. My desire to give back to the community and teachers came to fruition when I became a teacher!

My first teaching job was with children of Autism. With commitment and compassion, I pursued progress and opened doors for children with disabilities through intense teaching and dedication to families. I supported families as they navigated the special education process.

As I grew in my teaching profession, I developed my influence of positive community building by working side by side with teacher leaders through an incredible lifelong journey of leadership.

As an educator and leader, I garnered strong relationships around me and earned the reputation of strengthening schools in the communities I served. In collaboration with teachers, community leaders, students, and families, we worked to close literacy gaps for students who are underserved and created stronger programs for greater results. I was appointed as President of the Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals (VAESP) serving principals, assistant principals and aspiring leaders across the State of Virginia. I was the only public school principal to work on the Governor’s School Readiness Committee to provide strategic guidance on early childhood policies. I served on the Early Literacy Standards committee, Virginia Guidelines of Suspension committee, and the Office of School Quality curriculum review team for the Virginia Department of Education. I volunteered to serve the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation as a grant reviewer. Prior to the pandemic, I was called to serve as an Interim Executive Director leading 16 schools at a neighboring urban district, and worked through unprecedented times assisting with key decision making for the district. In 2020 during the pandemic, I was also appointed to serve as Newport News School Board Member, and today I am appointed again, post pandemic to do what I know best - Build success, safety, and the well-being of our children, teachers, families, and our community.

During the last 10 years I lobbied for Newport News and for teachers and leaders across the Commonwealth. This past year I visited Richmond and talked to legislators about school safety after the three tragic events: (1) On September 20, 2021, at Heritage High School; (2) on December 14, 2021, in Menchville High School parking lot: (3) and lastly, January 6, 2023 at Richneck Elementary. I also lobbied for higher compensation for teachers and staff, and teacher retention. As a lifelong educator, I am a voice that understands!

You may be asking why serve during a time when school boards have become hot spots, and I will say to you that my experiences have taught me to never shy away from opportunities to solve problems, always seek solutions, to give context to what those of us in the trenches experience and be the difference maker when change is required.  We need stronger leadership, safer spaces, greater transparency, and accountability to strategically catch up our students, transform schools, and make it a place where children and families are connected.

I always tell people around me, if I can do it, so can you, we can do it together! This is my story. This is my journey——to make a NEW difference for NEWPORT NEWS PUBLIC SCHOOLS!

Warmly, Maritsa Alger

Achievements

  • VAESP Pathfinder Award – for significant contribution to educational reform in elementary education

  • Hispanic Trailblazers Award of Hampton Roads – Honors Hispanic Leaders in the community for their excellence and perseverance.

  • VAESP Professional Development Award

  • Leaders to Sea Program, United States Navy

  • Salute to Principals, Hampton University

  • Outstanding Educator of the Year, Virginia Young Audiences of Virginia

  • Phi Kappa Phi Award for Outstanding Graduate Student at Old Dominion University