Q&A with Brenda Almendarez-De Bello ’06M.S.Ed., ’19Ed.D., LEAD Honoree

Brenda Almendarez-De Bello ’06M.S.Ed., ’19Ed.D., Principal of Tamarac Elementary School in the Sachem Central School District, will be among several alumni honored by The School of Education (SOE) at the 15th Annual Leaders in Education Awards Dinner (LEAD) on April 16 at the Stewart Manor Country Club in Stewart Manor, NY.

Congratulations! What does it feel like to receive this award?

Receiving the LEAD Award is truly an honor and very humbling. I’m proud to work alongside dedicated staff, supportive families, and inspiring students who motivate me every day to lead with purpose, compassion, and integrity. This recognition reinforces why I do what I do.

Please tell us a little about yourself and your current profession.

I am currently an elementary school principal in the Sachem Central School District and am in my 22nd year in education. I began my career as a middle school math teacher in Ridgewood, Queens, and later served as a bilingual math teacher in the Uniondale School District. For the past eight-and-a-half years, I have worked in administration, including three years as a high school assistant principal, before transitioning into elementary leadership.

How has a degree from The School of Education impacted your career path?

When I first set foot at St. John’s University, I never envisioned becoming a school administrator. However, earning my administrative certification and later my doctoral degree opened doors I hadn’t anticipated. These experiences allowed me to build meaningful connections with educational leaders and explore new opportunities. The program positioned me to be competitive in the field and ensured that my skills and leadership remained relevant.

Were there any professors in The School of Education who influenced your life? 

Yes, several professors from the School had a lasting impact on my journey. Linda Faucetta consistently pushed me to strive for more from her time as my professor during my master’s program to encouraging me to pursue my doctorate after the Project LEADER program. In addition, Anthony J. Annunziato, Ed.D., and Richard F. Bernato, Ed.D., believed in my leadership potential long before I did. They often predicted I would move into administration, even when I couldn’t yet envision that path for myself. Their guidance and confidence helped shape the direction of my career.

What are your most cherished memories from your days as a student in The School of Education? 

Some of my most cherished memories from the School are the lasting friendships I formed along the way with my fellow cohort members. We offered great support and encouragement to one another. Two moments that highlighted how meaningful this journey was for me included walking into the start of a program, first Project LEADER and later the doctoral program, with a newborn each time (two years apart), wondering, “What am I thinking?” Several years later, my proudest experience was defending my dissertation with my husband and two sons by my side, sharing that milestone together as a family, and recognizing the sacrifices we all made.

What wisdom would you like to share with the next generation of alumni?

Be brave and believe in your ability to do hard things. Don’t place limits on your own potential. Embrace challenges, even when they feel uncomfortable, because that next step may lead you to everything you never knew you always wanted.