Alexandra Hernandez

Bilingual Special Education Teacher, United Federation of Teachers, New York City

Ms. Alexandra Hernandez is a dynamic and accomplished bilingual special education teacher at PS 257 in Brooklyn with 28 years of experience. Alexandra is recognized for her energy, passion and the loving, nurturing way she teachers and cares for students from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Alexandra was born in Santiago de Los Caballeros in the Dominican Republic. She graduated High School from el Colegio Sagrado Corazon de Jesus and attended La Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra, in Santiago where she was pursuing a degree in medicine. She came to New York in 1988 and began her service as a NYCDOE paraprofessional in 1993 and has been a bilingual special education teacher at PS 257 in Brooklyn, NY since 1997. She continued her professional studies earning a B.A. from Boricua College, a Dual Master’s Degree from Long Island University in Special Education and Bilingual Education, and an Advanced Education Degree in School Leadership from the College of Saint Rose.

Throughout her career, Alexandra has been proud to work with students, parents, and community members on a wide range of programs, all of which strengthen the school - community bond and lead kids to increased levels of achievement. She is the P.S.257 Marching Band Director, Coordinator of the Kids Ride Club, founder of the Annual Community Pumpkin Patch and the Annual Community Halloween Parade. Throughout the year, you will always find Ms. Hernandez bringing new, rich, and rewarding experiences to children that would otherwise be out of their reach.

Alexandra has played a key role in advocating for equity and access for ELLs/MLLs and SWDs. She is an active member of various professional, community organizations, and taskforces focused on improving the educational outcomes for ELLs/MLLs and her efforts have led to increased support of ELL/MLL students’ development and learning, as well as improved school practices and operations. As a Convention Delegate of the United Federation of Teachers/AFT she attends and participates in advocacy groups nationwide on behalf of our students and parents. Alexandra is the 2022 recipient of the New York State Association for Bilingual Education (NYSABE) Teacher of the Year Award.

Alexandra is the proud mother of her 26-year-old son Jeremy who serves as her inspiration and is the light of her life. When Alexandra is not teaching, you will find her cycling around NYC, hiking, ziplining and climbing at her favorite park in Long Island.