Project Description
Karen Polsonetti
Principal, Manhattan Business Academy
Manhattan, New York
Fellow
Karen Polsonetti moved to NYC in August of 2001 where she started her NYC teaching career as a Social Studies teacher at the High School for the Humanities. Ms. Polsonetti then founded the Manhattan Business Academy in September of 2008. Her educational philosophy centers around knowing students well and caring about them as whole individuals.
At MBA, Ms. Polsonetti has created a community focused on collaboration to improve instruction to support student achievement. Under her leadership, MBA has maintained a 91% graduation rate as a limited unscreened NYC high school.
In her 20 years as a NYC educator, Ms. Polsonetti has held the following positions: U.S. History teacher, Global History teacher, Dean of Student Life, Director of the International School of Business, Social Studies Assistant Principal, and Principal of the Manhattan Business Academy.
Jerome Ortaliza
Assistant Principal, Manhattan Business Academy
Manhattan, New York
ALLY
Jerome Ortaliza is currently the Assistant Principal at Manhattan Business Academy, where he oversees the administrative functions and instructional improvement of the school. This includes development and implementation of the school program, teacher effectiveness and development, collaborative inquiry and strategic planning.
Before working at MBA, Jerome taught High School Mathematics for 12 years. He has been a grade team leader and Math department head for 6 years prior to his current position.
Jerome holds a Mathematics undergraduate degree from De La Salle University-Manila, a Masters in Special Education from Touro College and a School Building Leadership degree from Baruch College.