Hazel Joseph-Roseboro, Fellow

University Heights Secondary School

The Bronx, NY

Hazel Joseph-Roseboro’s passion to support youth in her community led her to start her career as an English teacher in the South Bronx at the same high school she graduated from. As a teacher, her class was featured on Cablevision as part of their Educator of Excellence series for which she received the Univision Outstanding Educator award. After assuming the role of principal at University Heights High School, she was able to provide numerous opportunities and partnerships for her school and shifted the academic focus to “A high school that feels like a college.” Through her leadership she has created academic inclusivity for all students, ensuring all receive equal opportunities and are able to thrive and succeed. Her school has been featured in multiple news stories for working to bridge community and cultural divides through empathy, and for providing unique, rigorous, and engaging learning opportunities for students. Throughout her tenure as teacher and school building leader, Mrs. Joseph-Roseboro has received numerous awards, including The Yvette & Joel Mallah Crystals Heart Award, Black Male Initiative Outstanding Educator Award and Phi Delta Kappa Educator Award. Moreover, Hazel is committed to ensuring that her students realize their potential. Each day she works towards this goal by remaining a constant source of support and providing opportunities that will help them become great assets to their local and global communities.

In June 2022, U.S Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield visited University Heights Secondary School.

John Leonardo, Ally

Teacher
University Heights Secondary School

The Bronx, NY

John Leonardo has been teaching at University Heights High School for over 20 years, primarily as a ninth-grade history of Engineering / STEM teacher. John believes that students learn best when they actively engage in independent research to solve real-world problems within their communities. Students are encouraged to learn by engaging with high-quality, hands-on projects that draw from students’ backgrounds and interests. John is the assistant coach of the UHHS Robotics Team and facilitates an after-school archery club.