School Leadership
Dr. Fred Hernandez is currently owner/operator of Cognitive, LLC education consulting firm. He retired from the Yonkers public Schools after 33 years of service as a teacher, assistant principal, principal and central office administrator. He led elementary schools, a middle school and a high school to redefine their governance, organization, instruction and accountability to establish culture and climate to improve student learning conditions. As Superintendent’s Hearing Officer he worked with school communities and families to work together to support student academic and social-emotional growth.
He also was a Restorative Practices trainer working with school staff, families, students and community leaders to understand how harm affects relationships and how to heal to restore and improve relationships for human growth. Dr. Hernandez has been recognized by over 10 community based organizations and the Child Study Center, Yale University for “Excellence in Educational Leadership.”
Dr. Fred Hernandez published two publications titled “Success speaks Many languages” N.Y: Teachers College (1999) and “The School Planning and Management, The Engine That Drives the School” McLaughlin, M., Ennis, E, Hernandez, F. (2004).
He received his Doctor of Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, his Master of Science from the College of New Rochelle and Bachelor of Science from the University of Connecticut.
Dwain Palmer, High School Principal is the High School Principal at the Charter School of Educational Excellence in Yonkers, NY. Mr. Palmer has been involved in education for over 20 years. Spending all of his teen years running an after school program, he officially began his career as a teaching assistant at a small preschool in Yonkers, NY. From there, Mr. Palmer knew that challenging and changing the trajectory and legacy of young people was his mission and calling.
Mr. Palmer joined the Charter School of Educational Excellence (CSEE) in August 2006 as a teaching assistant and music instructor. He subsequently accepted the position of Middle School Mathematics Teacher for grades 5 through 8 in 2010. During his tenure as a middle school mathematics teacher, Mr. Palmer was rated “highly effective” by the New York State Education Department. During this same time, Mr. Palmer implemented the first high school Regents course (Algebra I) for the 8th grade students, with student pass rates in excess of 95% through the years.
Mr. Palmer also worked as a mathematics instructional coach at CSEE, providing support and training for math teachers in the middle school. He later accepted the position of Director of Mathematics in 2017, where he developed systems for data analysis and action plans, improved instruction and revised curriculum, while providing teachers with ongoing professional development and support. During his term as the Mathematics Instructional Coach and Director, CSEE students have outperformed the Yonkers Public School District, New York City School Districts and New York State by as much as 65% on the annual New York State Common Core Mathematics Assessments.
Mr. Palmer holds a Master of Science in school building leadership and school district leadership, a Master of Science in adolescent education and students with disabilities, and a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from Mercy College.
Mr. Palmer believes that every student has innate talents and abilities. He is passionate about helping students discover their talents and planning a future that aligns with these potentials. Mr. Palmer believes that when students focus on their strengths, they will be intrinsically motivated and will perform to their greatest potential, ensuring a successful future.
Jessica Jacaruso, Middle School Principal is the Middle School Principal at the Charter School of Educational Excellence in Yonkers, NY, which, as of September 2016, has been deemed a Reward School for the third year in a row. She was born in Nyack, New York. Mrs. Jacaruso has been connected to CSEE since 2006 after serving three years as a first grade teacher in the Newburgh school district. She started at CSEE as a third grade teacher then became a fifth grade teacher. After teaching for over ten years she became the School Dean. In 2014, she became the Assistant Principal.Mrs. Jacaruso is a graduate of the State University of New York at New Paltz with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and from the College of New Rochelle with a Master’s Degree in Literacy. She also has a second Master’s Degree from Mercy College in School Building Leadership.
Her goal as an administrator is to do everything she can to support children in having a successful school experience. She feels very fortunate to be part of an outstanding staff who is very dedicated to meeting the social, emotional, and academic needs of all students. She feels it is important for educators to meet the unique needs and connect with every student. She is committed to working with all staff members and families to ensure that the best possible decisions are made, keeping the students as the primary focus.
Mrs. Jacaruso currently resides in New City, NY with her husband Daniel Jacaruso, and their son Justin and daughters Giada and Giuliana.
Jennifer Spina, Elementary School Principal is the Elementary School Principal at the Charter School of Educational Excellence in Yonkers, New York.Jennifer began her journey in the field of education twenty years ago as an early childhood teaching assistant in Elmsford, New York. Her initial experiences in guiding and caring for young children in an educational setting impacted her decision to pursue a more profound understanding of teaching and learning. She received a dual Bachelor's Degree in Elementary and Special Education from Manhattan College before obtaining a Master’s Degree in Literacy and a second Master’s Degree in School Building and School District Leadership.
Jennifer was fortunate to have had the opportunity to hold some impressive teaching and administrative positions in the past twenty years. She began her career as a first-grade teacher in a small Catholic school located in Yonkers. Following her time in Catholic school, she transitioned to the NYC Board of Education District 10 in the Bronx, where she taught second grade. In 2009, she was hired as a Title I Reading Specialist for CSEE, and was appointed as Title I Director shortly after. Following her successful run as Title I Director, she was promoted to Assistant Principal. As Assistant Principal, she is committed to personifying the school’s mission of “developing students who are critical thinkers, motivated leaders, and lifelong learners” through close collaboration with teachers, students, and parents.
Currently, Jennifer resides in Dobbs Ferry, NY with her husband Timmy, their two children, Emma and Christopher, and their dog named Duke.