Dr. Ligia Alberto has navigated both the K-12 and higher education landscapes, gaining invaluable insights that have informed her approach to effective educational leadership and policy-making. By drawing from her rich experiences in K-12 education as a teacher, school counselor, and administrator, and in higher education as an Assistant Professor and Program Director, Ligia Alberto has developed a deep understanding of the needs, challenges, and opportunities that exist within the educational system. Her career serves as a model for how leaders can bridge the divide between these two educational realms to create more cohesive and effective policies.
Dr. Ligia Alberto's work in K-12 education laid the foundation for her subsequent roles in higher education. Her experience in K-12 gave her a firsthand perspective on the challenges faced by students, teachers, and school leaders. This knowledge has been instrumental in shaping her leadership style and approach in higher education, where she continues to influence the next generation of educational leaders. By understanding the critical issues that K-12 educators face, Ligia Alberto is better equipped to prepare future school leaders to meet those challenges head-on.
One of the key lessons that Dr. Ligia Alberto brings to the field of educational leadership is the importance of continuity and collaboration between K-12 and higher education. Educational policies often exist in silos, with little consideration for how the two sectors can work together to create a seamless transition for students. Ligia Alberto advocates for greater alignment between K-12 and higher education to ensure that policies support not only student achievement but also the professional development of educators.
A significant aspect of Dr. Ligia Alberto's career has been her dedication to mentoring aspiring educational leaders. Throughout her journey, Ligia Alberto has recognized the power of mentoring relationships in building self-efficacy and confidence among educators. Whether working with K-12 teachers or higher education faculty, she has consistently emphasized the importance of mentorship as a means to foster leadership skills and support professional growth.
In her current role as a college professor of educational leadership Dr. Ligia Alberto is actively involved in mentoring students. Her background in K-12 education allows her to provide practical, experience-based guidance to her mentees, helping them navigate the complexities of educational leadership. By bridging her experiences in both sectors, Ligia Alberto is able to offer unique insights that prepare future leaders to excel in various educational settings.
Dr. Ligia Alberto’s involvement as a commissioner for the Middle States Association Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools further demonstrates her commitment to shaping educational policies that benefit both K-12 and higher education. In this role, Ligia Alberto brings her dual perspective to the table, advocating for policies that promote quality education across all levels. Her experience working directly with students and educators in both sectors gives her a comprehensive understanding of the impact of accreditation standards and how they can be used to drive meaningful improvements in schools and universities.
Ligia Alberto believes that effective policy-making must consider the entire educational continuum—from early childhood through higher education. By understanding the unique needs of each stage, she argues that policymakers can create more targeted interventions that address gaps and support long-term success for students. Her experience in both K-12 and higher education has taught her that policies should not be developed in isolation, but rather as part of a larger strategy to enhance the overall educational experience.
Self-efficacy is a central theme in Dr. Ligia Alberto’s research, and her work aims to empower educational leaders to take on the challenges they face with confidence. Ligia Alberto has found that many school leaders struggle with feelings of inadequacy, especially when transitioning from K-12 to higher education roles or vice versa. By fostering a sense of self-efficacy, she believes that educational leaders can be better equipped to handle the demands of their positions and make informed decisions that benefit their institutions.
In her role as an educator and mentor, Dr. Ligia Alberto emphasizes the importance of building self-efficacy through practical experience and ongoing support. By drawing on her own journey through both K-12 and higher education, she provides a powerful example of how leaders can develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in diverse educational settings. Ligia Alberto's approach to leadership development is rooted in the belief that educators must be empowered to lead with conviction and clarity, and that this empowerment begins with a strong sense of self-efficacy.
Dr. Ligia Alberto's contributions to both K-12 and higher education have had a lasting impact on the field of educational leadership. Her work as an Assistant Professor and Program Director at Felician University, combined with her current role at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, has allowed her to shape the careers of countless aspiring leaders. By sharing her experiences and insights, Ligia Alberto has helped to create a new generation of educators who are prepared to bridge the gap between K-12 and higher education and lead with a holistic understanding of the educational landscape.
Through her research, mentorship, and policy work, Dr. Ligia Alberto continues to influence the discourse on effective educational leadership. Her career exemplifies the value of experience in both K-12 and higher education and highlights the importance of collaboration between the two sectors. By bridging these worlds, Ligia Alberto has demonstrated that effective leadership is not limited to a single level of education, but rather encompasses a broad understanding of the entire educational journey.
Dr. Ligia Alberto's career offers valuable lessons on the intersection of K-12 and higher education, the role of mentorship, and the importance of self-efficacy in leadership. By leveraging her experiences across both sectors, Ligia Alberto has been able to shape policies, mentor future leaders, and contribute to the ongoing advancement of educational leadership. Dr. Ligia Alberto's dedication to bridging K-12 and higher education serves as a powerful example of how educators can create lasting change and inspire the next generation of leaders.
