Project Description
Cleto Chazares, Fellow
Simmons Career Acceleration Academy
Tampa, FL
Cleto "Sundy" Chazares grew up in Mexico, migrating to the US as a child. His family worked the fields providing for the family. Sundy grew up migrating from school to school throughout the US. In high school, his counselor helped guide his educational path by taking him in and giving him a permanent home whereby he could pursue his education. Prior to starting his career, Sundy was awarded a cross-country scholarship at St. Edward's University and qualified for the national cross-country championships four consecutive years. He graduated from St. Edward's University with a BA degree in 1992 and earned his Masters in Educational Leadership at the University of South Florida in 1998. After graduation from college, Sundy worked with the Dallas Cowboys for two years. However, he had a heart to return to his Florida roots. He landed a job in 1993, as a Migrant Advocate for Hillsborough County Schools. Sundy held various administrative positions in the district and was appointed Principal in July 2006, and is currently serving as Principal of Simmons Career Center since 2010. Some awards/distinctions include: *Tampa Hispanic Heritage Leadership in Education Award in 2010 *High School Principal of the Year by the Hillsborough Counselors Association in 2011-2012 *Principal of the Year by Hillsborough Technical & Career Education in 2018-2019 *His biggest achievement has been to successfully change the paradigm of a school that was negatively seen earning only a performance-based diploma, to becoming a more prestigious school where students earn a standard high school diploma.
Shalini Rajpaul M.Ed., Ally
Math Teacher
Simmons Career Acceleration Academy
Tampa, FL
Shalini Rajpaul is currently a High School teacher for Mathematics at Simmons Career Center, she earned her bachelor’s degree from one of The City Universities of New York, Herbert H Lehman College, and her master’s degree from American College of Education. She worked over the past 16 years in the public school system in New York City and Florida. She took on various roles and responsibilities during her career in education such as Department Head for Mathematics, Math League Coach, Team Leader and Coach for new teachers. She’s also known for opening her classroom to students from University of South Florida to assist with their internship in education. Prior to her teaching career, Shalini worked as a college advisor at Evander Child High School, in Bronx, New York, She was also a part of the Peer Teaching Academy, GEAR UP and Aspire of NYC, that bridge the gap between students entering High School and College. One of her passions has always been in working with students in low-income families to show that every child can learn if they are in an environment that is tailored to their needs. Her hope is to take on a Principal role at a school within the district. She strongly believes that students can succeed when you develop a culture where they can be empowered to believe in themselves.