Reading Reform in NYC: Teaching Kids,
Empowering Parents, Supporting Teachers(Webinar, April 16, 2024)

PANELISTS

Natasha Quiroga

Jeff Smink

Novella Bailey

Pilar Ramos

Teresa Ranieri

Yana Semiglazova

Tabatha Garcia

MODERATORNatasha Quiroga
Director of Education Policy andInsideSchools, The New School’sCenter for New York City Affairs

Natasha Quiroga is Director of Education Policy and InsideSchools at the New
School’s Center for New York City Affairs. She brings almost 20 years of experienceadvocating for children, youth, and families to these roles. Most recently, she was
Director of the Parental Readiness and Empowerment Program and Senior Counsel
in the Educational Opportunities Project at the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights
Under Law, where she developed and successfully expanded national initiatives
fostering parental leadership in education. Over the course of more than 10 years’
leadership at the Lawyers’ Committee, she provided extensive and expert analysis
for parents, educators, and legislators on issues impacting the education of studentsof color, immigrant children, multilingual learners, and students with disabilities.
Natasha also served as the first full-time Executive Director of Escuela Bolivia (nowEducación Para Nuestro Futuro) in Northern Virginia, and advised state and local
education agencies on compliance with federal education laws at an education lawfirm.

SPEAKER 1

Jeff Smink
Education Trust New York,Deputy Director

Jeff Smink, as Deputy Director at The Education Trust–New York, shapes strategic
initiatives and policy advocacy, notably focusing on early literacy efforts. With anextensive background spanning over two decades in education policy acrossnational, state, and local levels, Jeff brings a wealth of experience in addressing
educational issues from infancy to workforce readiness. Previously, he heldleadership roles at organizations such as the National Summer Learning
Association and the National Center on Time and Learning.
Based in his hometown of Rochester, Jeff is deeply involved in community
initiatives, contributing to boards like the Democrat and Chronicle Board ofContributors and the Mayor’s Early Learning Council. His educational journey
includes an Ed.M from Harvard University and a B.A. with teaching certification fromAllegheny College, reflecting his commitment to advancing education at variouslevels.

SPEAKER 2Novella Bailey
District 3 Manhattan,
Special Projects & Initiatives

Novella Bailey is a dedicated education professional currently serving as the Special
Projects and Initiatives Lead at Community School District 3 in New York City.
Having attended NYC public schools from kindergarten through 8th grade and later
serving as both a teacher and principal in Community School District 3, Novella has
deep roots in New York City Public Schools.
Novella brings a unique and well-rounded perspective to literacy initiatives. Her
firsthand experiences as a student and 23 years of service as an educator haveshaped her commitment to creating engaging and impactful learning programs that
resonate with diverse learners.

SPEAKER 3

Pilar Ramos
Academy of Arts and Letters,Principal

Pilar Ramos is Principal of Arts & Letters 305 United. She started her career inpublic education in the DOE nearly two decades ago as a middle school humanities
teacher in Brooklyn and the Bronx. After ten years of teaching literacy, Pilar
transitioned to the central office where she worked with the Middle School Quality
Initiative, a DOE program working with over 100 middle schools across NYC toimprove literacy outcomes for students in grades 6-8. She grew up and still lives indistrict 13 and went to NYC Public Schools for most of her schooling. Witnessing
inequities in her own public-school experience brought her to a career in education.
Pilar believes that Public Education has the power and potential to change ourcountry.

SPEAKER 4

Teresa Ranieri
PS 443, The Family School,
School Based Literacy CoachTeresa Ranieri is a dedicated educator with six years of experience, currently
serving as a Literacy Coach within the New York City Department of Education. She
has taught across various grade levels, from kindergarten to fifth grade,accumulating an impressive 27 years of service in the city's education system. In
her current role as a Literacy Coach, Teresa collaborates with teachers to ensure
equitable education and empowers students through brain-based literacy
instruction. With a background in Early Childhood Education and a deep
commitment to fostering a love for learning, Teresa is passionate about her
students' growth. She has completed the Associate Level Orton-Gillingham training,
LETRS training. The Writing Revolution training, is an Acadience Mentor, and has
her SUNY micro-credentials in the Science of Reading. For her, literacy is a social
justice issue.

SPEAKER 5

Yana Semiglazova
PS 303Q Academy for Excellence
through the Arts, Queens parent

Bio coming up soon!

SPEAKER 6

Tabatha Garcia
La Fuerza de Familias Latinas,
Parent Workshop Facilitator

Tabatha Garcia, a bilingual American with Ecuadorian roots, leads her household inStaten Island, New York, and is deeply involved in educational initiatives. Herjourney with Literacy Partners began in 2020, inspired by workshops thatemphasized parental involvement in children's learning. She now shares her
passion by facilitating workshops, fostering meaningful connections between
parents and children through storytelling and interactive learning.
Tabatha's dedication extends to advocating for the Science of Reading in NYC
schools, aiming to impact numerous families positively. She treasures thesemoments not just as a facilitator but as a fellow parent, finding joy in sharing
beloved stories like "Caps for Sale" with her daughters and creating lasting bonds
with other families.