In July of 2020, Dr. Kristy De La Cruz kicked off her new job as the superintendent of School District 4 in East Harlem, New York City. “Who becomes a superintendent during a pandemic?” she asks, laughing. But with over 25 years’ experience in education—as a middle school teacher in Kansas, an education trainer for the Peace Corps in the Philippines, an English as a Second Language (ESL) coordinator in NYC, and deputy director of English-language learners in the South Bronx—her next step was a no-brainer.

Dr. Kristy’s role as superintendent empowers her to have an overarching impact on her district, but she never loses sight of her why: building equity in the community by leading with compassion and creating connections with students, parents and her staff.

“My theme of connectedness is that you have to stay in contact,” says Dr. Kristy. Each day, she makes sure she leaves her superintendent’s office to visit at least one classroom, adding, “You can't distance yourself from the people you serve.”

In a community focused on equity work, providing a welcoming, affirming and approachable environment has a far-reaching impact. For Dr. Kristy to build a culturally responsive and sustainable education system, trauma-informed practices need to be in place.

Facing the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic—with job loss and health concerns increasing the need for more holistic financial, physical and emotional support for students, parents and staff—this approach to equity building is finally being prioritized, and Dr. Kristy is seizing the opportunity to implement initiatives with lasting impact on her district.

It started with trauma-informed, social and emotional training and workshops for staff and parent leaders in April and May. Support from contributions like a USD $25,000 WE Teachers District Grant enables Dr. Kristy to grow the capacity of staff and parent leaders to create responsive environments at home, in schools and in the community that support the social and emotional well-being of the students.

“It's going to lead to a greater impact in their learning, ultimately,” she says, “Step one: making sure that they feel psychologically, physically and emotionally safe. Then, having high-quality instruction that values their identity and develops their skills and intellect, as well as brings joy into their learning.”

Building a more equitable community in East Harlem’s School District 4 is a daily commitment for Dr. Kristy. Each conversation—with students, parents and staff members—unlocks the potential each person has to make a diffe rence.

“When you make everyone feel valued, everyone has something to offer.”