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Jerry Maraia of Literacy Strategies Consulting

Jennifer Serravallo's Approved Literacy Specialist

Professional History

Educational Leadership


Over the last 20 years, I have worked in a range of educational settings in the United States and around the world as a classroom teacher, staff developer, curriculum director, and school principal. 


I began my career as an Upper Elementary and Middle School teacher in New York City. After years in the classroom, I worked as a literacy consultant and staff developer, supporting classroom teachers and school leaders in public and private schools in developing research-based literacy curricula and teaching practices.

I have also served as School Principal at an international school in New York City and as Head of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, where I led the development and evaluation of PK-12 curricular programs and provided professional learning for faculty and staff. In these roles, I worked collaboratively with administrators and teachers to implement strategy-based literacy instruction and responsive classroom teaching approaches centered on students.


Currently, I am an Assistant Professor in the School of Education at Brooklyn College, where I work with aspiring and current educational leaders. My areas of research include: 


  • The intersection of identity and leadership development
  • Equity-centered leadership
  • Professional development and adult learning principles
  • Leader inquiry stance and practitioner research. 
Headshot of Jerry Maraia of Literacy Strategies Consulting, Jennifer Serravallo Approved School-Based Literacy Specialist

Lifelong Learner


I hold a Bachelor of Science from Skidmore College, a Master of Arts in English Education and Educational Theatre from New York University, a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Bank Street College of Education, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania. 


My doctoral dissertation employed ethnographic principles and methods to explore literacy practices in a rural village in Rwanda. Throughout my international field research, I used participatory action research and collaborative inquiry methods to generate insight into developing culturally sustaining pedagogical practices in the community. This research influenced my positionality and work as an educational leader and literacy consultant in schools across the United States. 



Feedback from Participants


“I found the sessions refreshing, engaging, interesting, and Jerry was great! I left this workshop feeling like I had spent time learning something I would actually use in the classroom.”


3rd Grade Teacher

R. Bonilla

New Jersey


“I’ve gotten so many ideas from the book, peers, and most importantly Dr. Jerry that makes strategy groups more comfortable.”


5th Grade Teacher

M. Russell

New Jersey


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