Tekesha Babb

Tekesha Babb is a passionate leader, who puts children first. Tekesha understands that partnering with families, collaboration and holding all stakeholders accountable to high expectations leads to positive student outcomes. Tekesha has worked for the New York City Department of Education for 20 years, as an educator in Districts 13 and 29 for 10 years before transitioning to an Instructional Coach in Children’s First Networks 108 and 110. As an Instructional Coach, she supported K-12 schools across all five boroughs including Transfer High Schools. She worked closely with many school leaders in establishing and developing structures for their teacher teams, while supporting them in the implementation of the Common Core and Advance. In her previous leadership role as Assistant Principal at PS/MS 124, Osmond Church School, she played an intricate role in shifting the instructional approach, from a teacher-directed approach to a student-centered approach through restorative practices. Tekesha was one of a few Assistant Principal’s in District 27 to take part in the Assistant Principal to Principal cohort. In her current role, as the Principal of PS 223, The Lyndon B. Johnson School, Tekesha she has had a positive impact on the school culture. She has embedded systems and structures to develop a collaborative inclusive learning environment, where the social emotional needs of students are met and where families are welcomed.

During her three years as Principal, Tekesha has secured a number of partnerships to support students before, during and after school. Some of these programs include Powerplay, Girls on the Run, STEAM, cultural dance, academic enrichment and mentorship programs. Having these opportunities for students has improved student behavior and supported students in making academic progress. Tekesha understands that building positive key relationships with all stakeholders is key in being a successful school leader. In her three years as principal, Tekesha has partnered with various organizations and political leaders, securing a 1.5 million dollar grant to make improvements to the school’s large playground and additional funds to construct a hydroponic lab and state of the art dance studio. Tekesha, considers herself a servant leader and does whatever she can to support the students and families of South Jamaica, Queens. In her personal life, Tekesha enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and reading.