Dr. Joseph Cordero Named New Director of Elementary Education and Intervention for Berkeley Heights Public Schools

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ - At the June 20, 2024 Berkeley Heights Public Schools Board of Education Meeting, the Board approved the hiring and appointment of Dr. Joseph Cordero as the new Director of Elementary Education and Intervention for Berkeley Heights Public Schools. Dr. Cordero has more than 20 years experience as an accomplished professional educator and administrator.

Dr. Cordero shared, “Throughout my career, I have cultivated safe and enriching learning environments that empower students of diverse backgrounds to reach their full potential. As a champion for social equity, I am committed to removing barriers and ensuring equal access to a high-quality education for every student. I am passionate about fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion while promoting innovative teaching and learning practices. My data-driven approach ensures that decisions are made to maximize student achievement for all.”

Dr. Cordero joins BHPS following a successful time in the Summit Public School District where he was the Principal of Jefferson School from August 2017 through June 2022 and where he most recently served as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction beginning in July 2022. In his role as Director of Curriculum and Instruction, he boasts many accomplishments including an expansion of a STEAM programming initiative which introduced innovation labs in all the elementary schools and ensured vertical programming alignment from middle to high school.

Dr. Cordero also helped transform the literacy programs across five schools, helping to foster a student-focused environment and raising instructional standards. He additionally redefined Gifted and Talented Education access, broadening program reach by 10% to nurture a diverse array of student talents and implemented uniform assessment protocols, enhancing district-wide educational consistency and accountability.

As principal of Jefferson School in Summit from 2017-2022, Dr. Cordero elevated school performance in the areas of English Language Arts and Mathematics by analyzing assessment data, refining instructional practices and supervising and evaluating staff, fostering a culture of excellence.

Dr. Cordero began his career in education as a teacher at The Kennedy School in Jersey City before moving to  the Departments of Curriculum and Instruction and Special Education to take the role of Literacy Coach. He then continued his tenure in the Jersey City School District as an Assistant Principal and Principal.

Dr. Cordero holds many certifications including New Jersey School Administrator CE, New Jersey Principal Certificate, New Jersey Standard Supervisor Certificate, New Jersey Standard Certificate Teaching Students with Disabilities, New Jersey Standard Certificate of Elementary Education. He earned his BA followed by a Master of Arts in Administration and Supervision, and then went on to earn his NJ Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Kean University.

Dr. Cordero looks forward to bringing his extensive background and successful leadership roles in data analysis and student support services, teacher professional development, and organizational change management to the Berkeley Heights School District in his role as Director of Elementary Education and Intervention.

“I am excited for the opportunity to work alongside the students and families of the Berkeley Heights community," said Dr. Cordero.

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