Celeste Terry

Celeste Terry is a Community Superintendent who has dedicated over 24 years to the New York City Department of Education, serving as a Teacher, Principal, Model Principal, and Deputy Superintendent. A resident of the Canarsie neighborhood herself, Ms. Terry's commitment to her community is deeply rooted, evident in her tireless efforts to enhance educational outcomes for its residents.

Using her vast experience in the education field, Ms. Terry has improved student outcomes and created an award-winning arts program as a Principal, adeptly removing her middle school from the list of Schools Under Registration Review in just two years. In her role as Deputy Superintendent, Ms. Terry supported school leaders, developed data monitoring structures, and fostered collaborations that brought much needed additional funding and professional learning to the district.

As a Superintendent, Ms. Terry has secured over $5 million in grant funding. She achieved double-digit gains in math and literacy proficiency, implemented research-based literacy intervention programs, and increased parental involvement and the district’s overall attendance.

Ms. Terry’s achievements are numerous and include facilitating Relay PD, increasing academic achievement, and developing leadership pipelines. In District 18, she started the first districtwide assessment program, refined the District/Charter Partnership, and introduced weekly data meetings. Ms. Terry also served on Mayor de Blasio's Leadership Team for School Culture and Discipline, revising the discipline code and securing funds for mental health initiatives.

Ms. Terry is a proud member of the Rohan Levy Foundation, which is dedicated to eradicating gun violence in Brooklyn, and is actively involved in creating safer environments for our youth.

Ms. Terry has received several awards and recognitions, including the 2020 Whole School Reform Deputy Superintendent Leadership Award, 2022 Assemblywoman Monique Chandler-Waterman’s Excellence in Education Award, 2023 Canarsie Honors, and Brooklyn Best Honors in 2015.