Alexa Sorden

Cahn Fellow 2018

Principal, P.S. 359 Concourse Village Elementary School

The Bronx, New York

Alexa Sorden has served as an educator in New York City Department of Education since February 2000. Throughout her tenure, she has served as a classroom teacher, Literacy Coach, Director of Achievement and for the past six years, she has served as principal. In 2013, Alexa founded Concourse Village Elementary School located in the South Bronx. The school serves 356 scholars in grades 3K-5th Grade. Alexa has a strong passion and commitment to education, in particular, her goal is to bring quality and rigorous education to all children regardless of their zip code. In 2017 Alexa was recognized nationally for being a transformational leader. The Ryan Award is the first national award honoring transformational school principals in the United States. The Ryan Award was established by Accelerate Institute and made possible by the Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Foundation. Alexa is a graduate of Teachers College, Columbia University and she is currently enrolled at St. John’s University’s pursuing a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership.

Concourse Village Elementary School, located in the Bronx, NY, has been recognized by the National Center for Urban School Transformation as one of America’s Best Urban Schools for 2020. Leaders from Concourse Village, including Sorden, were featured at NCUST’s symposium in early March, highlighting the school’s journey from difficulty to achievement.