Dr. Dolores Garcia-Blocker is the Executive Director of
Teach For America Connecticut since August 2021. She
is a lifelong educator with more than 35 years of
experience working in public school systems. She started
as a teacher in Washington, D.C., led schools in New York
and Connecticut, and has held district leadership roles for
10 years in Connecticut.
Having attended public school and then a private
boarding school for high school, Dr. Garcia-Blocker
recognized how her private educational experience
allowed her to excel academically and socially in college.
As a new teacher, she saw the stark inequities between
her educational experience and that of her students. As
a result, Dr. Garcia-Blocker has focused her career on
providing equitable opportunities for all students,
regardless of background. She did this through rigorous
instruction in the classroom, leading excellent schools,
and developing innovative programs and initiatives focused on college and career readiness.
Dr. Garcia-Blocker received her B.A. from Spelman College, M.S. from American University, and an
Ed.D from Teachers College, Columbia University. She holds numerous professional certifications,
including a Superintendent Certification from the University of Connecticut. She was recognized by
The College Board for closing the achievement gap, earned US News & World Report’s Bronze and
Silver medals for Outstanding High Schools and was awarded the Outstanding Educator by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc.