With excitement and enthusiasm, the the second year of the Master’s in Educational Management. With the aim of bridging the gap between current training and the demands of the evolving educational landscape, the program equips participants with the necessary tools to effectively lead organizations, implement innovative programs, and exercise institutional autonomy in a sustainable manner.
The initiative is being carried out by the Institute of Education at the Universidad ORT Uruguay, in partnership with the ReachingU Foundation: a nonprofit organization that funds and co-creates quality educational programs for vulnerable children and adolescents in Uruguay.
Why did the applicants decide to pursue the second year of the graduate program at ORT? What are their expectations for the upcoming program? How do they think this program will contribute to their professional development?
Following the initial training sessions, some of the students in the second year of the Master’s in Educational Management shared their impressions and initial thoughts.
Why Pursue the Second Year of the Master's in Educational Management at ORT
Maribel Fagúndez
Head Teacher at Kindergarten No. 22 “Golda Meir” (Montevideo)
“Because it is the university that opened its doors to us, enabling us to take on this challenge. It has always supported lifelong learning and been committed to excellence. The challenge lies in continuing to learn and work together to transform teaching methods in complex settings, as we must now focus on improving education at the regional and global levels.”
Lorena Piña
Director of the Montevideo Institute of Advanced Specialization in Computer Science (General Directorate of Technical and Vocational Education)
“I learned that the ReachingU Foundation had supported a previous cohort at ORT. We then approached the administration to express our interest in continuing the training for a group of principals who had completed the Specialization in Educational Leadership, Management, and Innovation. In the end, everything fell into place so we could get started, so I am very grateful to everyone who made it possible.”
Miriam Ferreira
Inspector of theRegional Inspector for Training Schools and Schools Authorized for Practical Training, in the Durazno and Flores Departmental Inspectorate
“Because I believe that continuing education is essential in the field of education, as it serves as a driving force for change. It will provide access to new knowledge and enable us to connect with and collaborate with other professionals.”
Yadira Armand Pilón
District Inspector, Soriano Departmental Office of Education (Office of Early Childhood and Elementary Education)
“I prioritize ongoing professional development, viewing it as the only effective tool for supporting teachers.”
The possibilities and expectations
Roxana Taño
Director of the Southern Coastal Campus (General Directorate of Technical and Vocational Education)
“I look forward to gaining new insights that will broaden my expertise in educational management. I also hope to get started in research and bring back to the schools under my supervision various tools and techniques for building learning communities.”
Jorge Mamczur
Principal of the Villa Muñoz High School of Commerce (Montevideo)
“To apply theoretical knowledge in the field, striving to meet mutual expectations.”
Claudia Lonchar
Principal of School No. 339 “Roma” (Montevideo)
“I’m interested in deepening my understanding of research methodology. At the same time, I’d like to engage with teachers to encourage them to improve their teaching practices, with the aim of making a difference in public school classrooms.”
Bettina Palermo
Principal of Technical School No. 1 in Treinta y Tres (General Directorate of Technical and Vocational Education)
“I hope to grow as a person so that I can continue to improve my performance in my role.”
The future contribution to professional development
Paola Ponzoni
Principal of School No. 350 in Casavalle (Montevideo)
“I believe this graduate program will give me the tools and strategies I need to bridge the educational gap for the most vulnerable children, who need us so much. It will also foster my professional and personal growth, which I can share with my teaching team to benefit our children.”
Monica Torres De Leon
Principal of School No. 47 in Trinidad (Flores)
“Without a doubt, pursuing a master’s degree will be a unique opportunity to further my education and continue to contribute to and enrich the diverse educational communities with which I work and that make up our educational system. At the same time, having better tools at my disposal will allow me to lead or drive processes of improvement and transformation.”
Leonardo González Mazzei
Teacher and Assistant Principal at High School No. 19 and High School No. 4
“I believe this will open doors for me to make contributions in other areas and put everything I’ve learned into practice.”
Heber Fernández
Principal of Artigas High School No. 1
“This program is a key part of my professional career, as it will undoubtedly help me become a better and more qualified education professional. I believe it is essential for administrators to be properly trained so that we can have a positive impact on education. Finally, the master’s degree will give me the opportunity to gain a deeper level of knowledge to tackle the challenges of administration.”
Gloria Lilián Tejera
Principal of High School No. 66 "Parque Tejano"
“No matter what role you play in education, you must continue to improve. This is especially true in management. My goal is to become the best manager I can be, and I know that the university will give me the tools I need to achieve that.”
A Commitment to Learning
Andrea Tejera Techera
Academic Coordinator of the Master's Program in Educational Management
“We are in an ideal situation, because the participants who spearheaded this project are highly motivated. Furthermore, we recognize a commitment not only to the learning process, but also to the individual work realities and the communities in which the master’s students are carrying out their duties. Beyond the desire to strengthen skills lies a commitment to making a positive impact on education in Uruguay. That is why I wish you many valuable learning experiences: may this journey be filled with achievements, enjoyment, and knowledge. It is truly a pleasure to be part of this process, which we will navigate and learn through together.”
Cecilia Conti
Project Management, Evaluation, and Development Manager at the ReachingU Foundation
“For us, this is a milestone, mainly because it was an initiative driven by the participants. That’s what makes us happiest: that it came from you and that you made it happen. This initiative is part of our Teacher Development Program, which we created to focus on the professional development and continuing education of education professionals. We are convinced that strengthening the leadership of teachers and principals is key to transforming education in Uruguay, which is why the ReachingU Foundation is pleased to invest in professional growth.”