Ms. Gloria M. Ortiz is as an experienced educator with over 35 years at the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) in multiple positions, including Bilingual Teacher, Director of Bilingual and ESL services, Network Attendance and ESL Liaison for Queens, and the Specialized High schools. Her expertise lies in her ability to integrate her knowledge of ELLs and skills in leadership to facilitate professional development opportunities for school and district leaders, teachers, and parents. She enhances their personal development and academic success and builds their professional capacity by offering them the strategies and skills necessary to provide rigorous ELL-focused instruction. In addition, Ms. Ortiz was the founding Principal of Horizon Academy, an alternative high school that provided educational services to incarcerated adolescents. Gloria completed her bachelor's degree at Fordham University, holds a Master’s degree in Bilingual Education from Hunter College (CUNY), and a Master's degree in administration and supervision from City College of New York (CUNY).