LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Dr. Wanda Toledo was nominated by her colleague, Patty Mueller.

"'At Drexel, we get smart, have heart, and stay fit!' is and has been the motto of Drexel Avenue Elementary School," explains Mueller. "Dr. Wanda Toledo is our school's leader and principal. If you met her, you would hear and feel her enthusiasm, excitement, and energy each day, which are instilled in her staff and students!"

Dr. Toledo started in the Westbury School District over 20 years ago as the ESL and Bilingual Education Director. In addition to this "day job," Dr. Toledo also worked to create English and Computer classes at night for the adults in her district's evening program. Before she arrived at Westbury, Dr. Toledo worked for nine years in the Long Beach School District, pioneering a dual-language program. Her time at Long Beach was preceded by her roles as a teacher and administrator at P.S. 95 in Jamaica Estates. In addition to her many roles, she also has been an adjunct professor at Hofstra University, Adelphi University, C.W. Post, Hunter College, and Brooklyn College. As stated by a previous Westbury Superintendent, "She has tremendous dedication and demonstrates the kind of commitment we have to the welfare of young people. We're proud of her."

Shortly into her role as a member of the Westbury family, Dr. Toledo was honored as the 2003 Administrator of the Year by the New York State Association for Bilingual Education for her work running the English as a second language and adult education programs at Westbury Schools.  

As a child, Dr. Toledo grew up in a multilingual household where both Spanish and English were spoken. Her parents, both immigrants from Puerto Rico, instilled a drive and determination to succeed against any adversity that she may face. Dr. Toledo was committed to introducing multiple generations of children to the benefits of bilingual education. She wanted to support, encourage, and increase equity in education for all students.

"I think it is an excellent model and one that everyone should be involved in," Toledo said. "Students are learning another language, becoming bicultural. It's amazing to see elementary schoolchildren speak about scientific or mathematical concepts in another language."

On July 1, 2003, Dr. Toledo became the principal of Drexel Avenue Elementary School. In this role, Dr. Toledo has gained the respect of the staff, students, and the entire Westbury community.

"She is honest, caring, and compassionate for all she comes in contact with. I can attest to this as I seek advice and encouragement from her and am never afraid to share my thoughts and ideas, no matter how out of the ordinary they may seem," said Mueller. "Dr. Toledo encourages everyone to find their passion and commit to it, as she did many years ago."

In fact, Dr. Toledo was named the 2020 Administrator of the Year by the Council of Administrators and Supervisors.

"Not only is she admired by her students and staff, but also by her fellow administrators and peers. Her work never stops, and Dr. Toledo never tires. She truly is the Energizer bunny, and we know that even in her retirement, she still will be working to improve education," said Mueller.

"In the words of one of the teachers at Drexel, 'I really like and admire Dr. Toledo's positivity. Her smile has been a comfort. It used to be welcoming and just gave me a good feeling when I saw her in the hall... but during the pandemic, it was more. It made me feel safe.' She taught, by example, how to make the students feel safe. Each Sunday, in "Wanda's Words," she includes a Daily Om article as a source of inspiration. They are extremely meaningful, and I learn so much from them about self-care and overall well-being. Once, she even included breathing exercises and videos to help us during the height of the pandemic. Everyone truly loves her. She has changed countless lives in her roles throughout the day outside of the title, principal."