Workshop Title: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Panel– Walk the Talk
Speaker: Markus Rodriguez
Organization: Long Branch Public Schools
Website: Long Branch Public Schools
Markus Rodriguez is the Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Long Branch Public Schools in Long Branch, New Jersey. Mr. Rodriguez is an accomplished education intervention specialist, multilingual translator and an exceptional educational collaborator. “Mr. Rod” as he is known to colleagues and friends is skilled in developing professional collaborative relationships that result in positive impact/ low to no cost programming, for students and families – He has developed a professional network both nationally, internationally and at various levels of state and local government.
Mr.Rodriguez is passionate about connecting children and families with opportunities and services that have the potential for positive lifelong change. Forthright and personable, he speaks candidly on matters of advocacy, community engagement and sustainability while giving audiences tangible, realistic examples and defining questions to help educators and community members move from ideas to action.
Drawing on years of work as an educator and advocate for students and families, Mr.Rodriguez lends his perspective on various committees and panels for his expertise for such institutions and organizations as the Two River Theater of Red Bank, Monmouth University, Rutgers University, and NJ Literacy of Monmouth County. He maintains strong ties to the Linguistics department of Penn State University Erie, The Behrend College, and is a favored collaborator with Pace University’s Actors Studio alumni.
Mr.Rodriguez’s outgoing nature and skillful negotiation ability allows him a confidence to problem solve and turn professional relationships into valuable long term assets that serve the children and families in the city of Long Branch, where he has been a loyal educator for 26 years and champions the voice of Long Branch Public Schools in Long Branch New Jersey in his role as the first district Director of DEI .
