Mr. Andres Barquin is entering his 13th year as an educator. Throughout the course of his career, he has taught Pre-K, middle school science, and high school biology before moving on to the role of District Instructional Data Coach. He joined the Newark Board of Education in 2017 as a middle school science teacher at First Avenue School. During his tenure at First Avenue, Mr. Barquin developed partnerships with community organizations that helped beautify the school building/grounds and provided student workshops that focused on teaching innovative engineering practices to solve issues in the world today. He introduced the Sustainable Schools initiative that led to First Avenue being the first school in the city to be awarded silver status. In 2019, Mr. Barquin was promoted to vice-principal of Elliott Street School. Later that school year, Mr. Barquin was appointed Summer Principal of First Avenue School where he led the in-person pilot program during the summer of 2020. This was only one of two schools designated by Superintendent León to open its doors to students during the height of the pandemic. After completing the summer program, Mr. Barquin joined the North Ward Leadership Team, as a Special Assistant, to Dr. José Fuentes, Assistant Superintendent. As a special assistant Mr. Barquin supported 13 schools and their instructional leaders.

Mr. Barquin’s educational philosophy is that all children are unique and require an innovative learning environment where they can develop mentally, emotionally, and socially. As instructional leaders, Mr. Barquin believes that we are responsible for ensuring that students receive unparalleled education from adults that care. Mr. Barquin is committed to ensuring that the children of Elliott Street School receive a world class education and go on to become the leaders of tomorrow.