José Jiménez

José Jiménez is the Principal of A.C.E. Academy for Scholars, an award-winning public school in Ridgewood Queens, New York. As a Principal, he has focused on developing project-based practices to enhance the experiential learning of his students. He is dedicated to creating memorable learning experiences by focusing on critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and arts education. He believes in the importance of teaching children holistically and authentically and empowering them with rich learning experiences, access to mindfulness, and opportunities to create. He is a member of Proud Educators, an organization of school professionals supporting one another to take steps towards self-disclosing their LGBTQ+ identities in schools in an effort to be the role models they needed when they were in school and is dedicated to creating and supporting inclusive school environments. In addition, he is an Urban Education Ph.D. student at the CUNY Graduate Center, specializing in Educational Policy and Leadership and has taught undergraduates and graduate students in the Childhood Department at Brooklyn College and a certified Yoga Teacher. He holds degrees from Brooklyn College and New York University. As an immigrant from Cuba, education has been the greatest of equalizers and he is dedicated to ensuring that all children have a seat at the table and access to role models that will inspire them to achieve great heights.