How a seat at the table started Stephanie’s E4E membership journey

For 15 years, Educators for Excellence members have shaped policy, strengthened the profession, and grown as leaders in their schools and communities. Recently, we asked a few long-time members about their E4E journey and how it has contributed to their professional growth. Their answers highlight the power of teacher leadership when educators have the tools, training, and support to use their voice.

Below, meet Stephanie Vásquez, a middle school ELA coach in the Bronx. Stephanie began her E4E journey after taking advantage of an opportunity to speak about New York City’s new literacy initiative. And she hasn’t looked back since!

What will your journey look like? Join E4E today and find out.

What inspired you to join E4E? What’s your “origin story”?
My “origin story” is one that I’d say has been the most pivotal in my career. I first met the E4E-NY team virtually, as they hosted a town hall for my district after we piloted two different curricula as part of our district-wide preparation towards phasing into the NYC Reads initiative. I served as a panelist, and a year later, I was invited to speak again and reflect on the progress and some next steps for the district. 

That second town hall led to an invitation to speak at an E4E-NY event and directly to the NYCPS Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos. I’ll never forget this day. E4E-NY gave me a seat at the table, and they had no idea how important a moment this would be for me. I felt so empowered and so seen. I didn’t feel like just another voice falling on deaf ears. After that day, I vowed to continue to keep my seat and speak on behalf of educators and students throughout New York City Public Schools.

What are your favorite parts about being an E4E member?
Being in the same room with like-minded people who have students’ best interests at heart. Hearing about all of the great things people are doing and the initiatives we get to spearhead and participate in is always a great feeling. We have a personable and amazing team at E4E-NY, and they make it all worthwhile, supporting us every step of the way.

What makes you most proud to be part of E4E?
The job is never done because we are in the business of making education better and more accessible for students across this city. That being said, knowing that there is always room for growth and improvement, and knowing that an organization like E4E is willing and ready to roll up its sleeves and keep fighting for educators and students, is what makes me proud to be part of E4E. We don’t just talk about it; we work to address it — and once it’s done, we ensure it’s effective. We then focus on the next thing that will help improve our schools. That’s what education is all about.

What’s your most memorable experience or moment as an E4E member?
Where do I begin? I would say number one was definitely sitting at the table with NYCPS School Leadership, then making my way to Albany to learn more about the Science of Reading and how our school system could improve using methods and initiatives similar to those in Mississippi. The State Conference, where I had the opportunity to reconnect with Dr. Betty Rosa and thank her for creating the school that changed my life, while also taking the chance to share some ideas with her about the state of education in New York City. I’ve even had the chance to share my story through blogs and op-eds about my experience as a middle school educator who’s worked with my district to pilot a curriculum that meets my students’ needs. 

The most memorable moments for me as an E4E member have always been those where I get to not only share my experiences, but also share the stories of my fellow educators and advocate on their behalf. Advocacy is not just a noun; I have found it is also my purpose.

Your leadership journey starts here.

Every educator has a story, and every educator deserves a voice in the decisions that shape the future of our profession. Stephanie’s experiences show what’s possible when educators are empowered, supported, and connected.

What will your journey look like? Join E4E today and find out!