Staff & Faculty
The Diversity of our Bronx Compass Community: We're stronger together.
The staff and faculty at Compass are a community filled with passion for teaching, learning and helping each other grow. Each of our educators and members of our faculty believe strongly in our students, mission and values. All staff are enthusiastic about our young dragons and strive to propel our mission forward in inspiring, sometimes surprising ways.
MEET OUr principal - Head Dragon
Steven Neal became the Principal of Bronx Compass High School in January 2021 and has served New York City public school students for over 11 years. Steven has served as a Humanities teacher, Global History teacher, AP U.S. History teacher, and Education Administrator. In his previous role as Instructional Lead for High School Social Studies, Steven provided support to Bronx Compass High School in the areas of Social Studies, instruction, grant writing, and culturally responsive pedagogy. Steven received his Bachelor of Arts from Iona College, Master’s of Science in Education from Mercy College, and Master’s of Science in School Building Leadership from the College of Saint Rose.
Fun Fact: Steven was born and raised in the Bronx and is a product of the NYC public school system!
Get to know OUr ASSISTANT principals
Fuad Chowdhury is the Assistant Principal of Mathematics, LOTE and Physical Science of Bronx Compass High School, a role has served for two years. Prior to that he was a Math and Science teacher at an International High School in the Bronx. Fuad also serves as the programmer of Compass and is in charge of the school's ENL compliance and services, as well as attendance initiatives. Fuad's passion stems from his belief in high expectations and preparing students for college readiness through rigorous instruction and tiered scheduling so that students are challenged at their entry points.
“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.”
― John Dewey
jmartinez-elias@bronxcompass.org
"You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength."
― Marcus Aurelius
Sophia Pentoliros is one of the Assistant Principals of Bronx Compass High School. Sophia received her Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Education from New York University and a Master's of Science in School Leadership from Baruch College. She has served in the Department of Education for 13 years; 5 years as a Special Education and Social Studies teacher and 8 years as an Assistant Principal. At Bronx Compass, Sophia is the Assistant Principal of English Language Arts, Life Science and Special Education and she supports teacher Professional Development, Special Education compliance, school trips and community events. Sophia has always loved school and the work she does as an educator. She wants all her students to have the positive experiences in school that she had which allowed her to find and follow her passions in life.
“The function of freedom is to free someone else.”
― Toni Morrison
say hello to Our Teachers
Helping Shape Young Minds:
Our teachers are demonstrated experts in their fields and in student learning. They regularly upgrade their qualifications through rigorous professional development that is grounded in classroom practice and aligned with our Culturally Relevant Pedagogy, including Therapeutic Intervention Crisis for Schools (TCIS), Restorative Justice, Respect for All, Advanced Literacy and Math for America.
"If you stop at general math, then you will only make general money."
― Snoop Dogg
“Now I think it’s one of the most useless questions an adult can ask a child—What do you want to be when you grow up? As if growing up is finite. As if at some point you become something and that’s the end.”
― Michelle Obama
"Be like cheese and bacon and make everything you touch better."
- Kid President
"What you lack in talent can be made up with desire, hustle and giving 110% all the time."
— Don Zimmer
Bronx Girl. Born and raised!
Mr. Feldman has been a teacher for over 11 years in the New York City Public School System. He is a proud parent, foster parent, and husband of over 11 years. In his spare time, he is a Star Wars addict, an amateur cook, and avid reader. "Try or Try not. There is no try. Only do or do not." - Yoda
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' But honestly, who are you to not be so?"
― Marianne Williamson
The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it.
- Neil deGrasse Tyson
“If kids come to us from strong, healthy functioning families, it makes our job easier. If they do not come to us from strong, healthy, functioning families, it makes our job more important.”
― Barbara Colorose
"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." -
Mahatma Gandhi
“If you steal from one it's plagiarism; if you steal from many it's research.”
― Wilson Mizner
I love working with students.
I love reading.
I love working with students about reading.
BX
“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”
― James Baldwin
Ms. Watkins is a writer and former Journalist who has traveled the globe. She came to teaching as a second career, loves the work she does and is fiercely passionate about her students and their prosperity as whole human beings. Ms. Watkins is a proud Canadian through and through.
"If I didn't define myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people's fantasies for me and eaten alive."
― Audre Lorde
Meet Our Social Worker
And here are the School Counselors
Dear Students,
I believe in you and trust you. You are listened to, cared for, important and...
You Will Succeed!
jahairavargas@bronxcompass.org
"Be sure what you want and be sure about yourself. Fashion is not just beauty, it's about good attitude. You have to believe in yourself and be strong."
― A. Lima
Meet Our Para Professional
THey got GRIT: School AidEs, Community Assistant & Family Worker
They help Keep it Together: Our Secretaries
As long as you are honest, ambitious & loving, life will have great rewards for you!
Our Fearless Parent Coordinator
She is fearless, she is compassionate, she is real and she is funny . She also loves our students and parent community. Anything you need, Ms. Nieves has got your back.