Ligia Alberto has spent her career empowering future school leaders by bridging the distinct yet complementary worlds of K-12 and higher education. As an experienced educator with a passion for developing leadership in others, she draws on her extensive background in school counseling, teaching, and administration to cultivate a generation of educators who are equipped to meet today’s challenges in education. Ligia Alberto’s role spans these educational levels seamlessly, demonstrating the crossover skills and knowledge that future leaders need to thrive in both K-12 and higher education settings. This journey reflects her belief that fostering resilience, adaptability, and vision in educational leaders is essential to guiding schools and students toward success.
At the heart of Ligia Alberto’s work is a commitment to equipping aspiring school leaders with skills that extend beyond the traditional confines of the classroom. Her experience as a school counselor and teacher gives her unique insights into the demands of K-12 education, while her roles as an Assistant Professor and Program Director of Education Leadership have solidified her expertise in higher education. By integrating these perspectives, Ligia Alberto offers a holistic approach to educational leadership training, emphasizing the importance of empathy, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of student needs at all levels.
One of Ligia Alberto’s foundational beliefs is that effective school leadership begins with understanding the student experience in K-12 settings. Leaders who truly grasp the complexities of student development can foster school environments where students feel supported academically, emotionally, and socially. Ligia Alberto uses her experience to teach future leaders how to address these multifaceted needs, helping them develop programs and policies that enhance student well-being and academic success. She believes that effective leadership involves a blend of strategic planning and a compassionate approach to addressing students’ needs, ensuring that school systems offer nurturing environments that promote learning.
Ligia Alberto’s work at Felician University and now at the University of North Carolina Wilmington demonstrates her commitment to preparing leaders who can adapt to diverse educational settings. She understands that today’s educational leaders must be flexible, skilled in problem-solving, and prepared to address challenges that vary widely across schools and communities. By fostering these abilities in future educators, Ligia Alberto ensures they are ready to lead schools effectively, whether in urban, suburban, or rural settings.
In her courses, Ligia Alberto emphasizes the importance of cross-cultural competency, a skill that is increasingly crucial as schools become more diverse. Her students learn how to engage effectively with students from different cultural backgrounds, which in turn fosters a more inclusive school environment. Ligia Alberto teaches them how to craft policies and create programs that promote equity and access, ensuring that all students, regardless of background, receive a high-quality education. These skills not only benefit K-12 schools but also lay a foundation for future leaders to succeed in higher education institutions that are equally diverse.
In higher education, Ligia Alberto’s focus on leadership development extends beyond administrative skills to the personal growth of her students. She views each aspiring leader as a lifelong learner and models this belief through her ongoing contributions to educational research and her dedication to teaching. Her approach to educational leadership training is grounded in real-world application, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical tools that her students can immediately implement in their schools. Ligia Alberto encourages her students to bring their experiences from K-12 into their studies, fostering a learning environment where the interchange between theory and practice strengthens their skills.
At the Watson School of Education at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, Ligia Alberto helps students refine essential competencies like communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution. These skills are foundational to effective leadership in K-12 settings, where the ability to navigate complex situations with clarity and empathy is paramount. Ligia Alberto’s work has been instrumental in shaping educational leaders who can step into a variety of roles, ready to influence and support their schools from a position of confidence and competence.
Ligia Alberto believes that resilience and a clear vision are critical attributes for effective school leaders. Today’s educational landscape is marked by rapid change, whether due to advances in technology, shifts in educational policy, or the evolving needs of students. Ligia Alberto prepares her students to meet these challenges by fostering resilience and helping them cultivate a forward-thinking perspective. Through her courses, she encourages aspiring leaders to envision the future of education and develop strategies that will allow them to guide their schools through periods of change with stability and optimism.
Under Ligia Alberto’s mentorship, future leaders learn the importance of resilience not only for themselves but also as a trait they can foster within their schools. By developing leaders who can inspire confidence and adapt to unforeseen challenges, Ligia Alberto plays a vital role in strengthening educational systems. Her approach reinforces the idea that a resilient school culture begins with resilient leadership, where leaders are prepared to face obstacles while keeping their focus on long-term educational goals.
As an educator and mentor, Ligia Alberto continues to impact the field of educational leadership by shaping future school leaders who are prepared to make a positive difference in both K-12 and higher education settings. Her work at Felician University and now at the University of North Carolina Wilmington demonstrates her commitment to fostering leaders equipped with the skills, knowledge, and mindset necessary for today’s educational challenges. Ligia Alberto’s approach emphasizes the importance of resilience, empathy, and strategic thinking, inspiring her students to become leaders who are dedicated to improving educational experiences for students and communities alike.
Ligia Alberto’s dedication to bridging the gap between K-12 and higher education serves as a testament to her belief in the importance of skilled, adaptable, and visionary leaders. Her role in equipping future school leaders with practical tools and knowledge is invaluable, as her students carry forward her focus on resilience, empathy, and a commitment to educational excellence.
