Dr. Rachel Monárrez is a true educator—one who knows that teaching and learning are not about compliance, but about transformation; one who understands that the work of the schools is not just about the children, but also the adults; one who is confident that the work on behalf of our children is not only about what happens during the school day, but the shared responsibility of the entire community.
When Dr Monárrez came to Worcester three years ago as our new Superintendent of Schools, she jumped in with both feet. Her ‘listening and learning tour’—a series of gatherings in venues across the city introduced her not only to our city, but to its people. That immersive work gave her a sound understanding of the needs and aspirations of our young people and their parents as well as the teachers and staff members who make up our school district. It also helped people understand who Rachel was, what she believed in, and what she hoped to accomplish.
Through her leadership, the work to address those needs and achieve those aspirations was translated into immediate action from the beginning. Then she built on these actions by leading the creation of a robust, accountability driven strategic plan to ensure that this work could continue even after she left. But it is not just plans on paper and forms to fill out that transform what happens in schools—it is relationships and a firmly held belief in the potential of others. With Rachel’s leadership, I have seen everyone, EVERYONE - students, teachers, parents, student support personnel - leaning in and offering their expertise and experience, lived and professional, on behalf of our kids and families. I have seen a new confidence and hope in what can be done.
Sometimes it takes new eyes, with a different perspective, to see and catalyze what is possible. Thank you Rachel Monárrez for being that catalyst.
"Dr. Rachel Monárrez has been a welcome and needed breath of invigorated fresh air into the parent and caregiver community empowering families to feel valued, appreciated, and to be truly part of the team in their child's education. The groundwork and structures she has built with an amazing team will be long lasting, not only for the strong team that will continue, but because families now know and understand what is possible. Thank you so much, Rache!."
Dina Tedeschi, Family & Community Engagement Specialist, WEC
