Monica Maccera Filppu is an educator who has spent the last 20 years working to close the opportunity gap and ensure every child receives an education that will allow them to fulfill their potential in life. As an immigrant, who has always worked in communities impacted by poverty and opportunity gaps, she is keenly aware of the role power, privilege and inequity play in the lived experiences of children.

She started her career as the Spanish-dominant teacher in a dual language classroom in Washington, DC, and spent the next 10 years working to increase opportunities for children to receive a high-quality education that celebrates biculturalism and biliteracy. In 2007, Monica joined the staff of Teach For America, CT where she led an alternate route to certification – collaborating with district, state and university partners to champion the idea that student success is the ultimate goal of teacher preparation. In 2014, Monica launched the Great Oaks Charter School in Bridgeport, CT as the Founding Executive Director and Principal. Most recently, she led the team of the Teach Western Mass Residency to build a teacher certification program that seeks to build a diverse, local talent pipeline for high needs subject areas in urban schools.

Monica holds a Master’s Degree in TESOL/Bilingual Education from Georgetown University. She lives in New Haven, with her family.

Email: monica.maccerafilppu@nhep.com