Yamilis Cruz Named Assistant Principal at Bentley Academy Innovation School
Mrs. Cruz a natural fit for dual language Bentley Academy
SALEM (Aug. 7, 2024) – Yamilis Cruz, a Salem resident and former literacy coach at Collins Middle School, was named the Assistant Principal of Bentley Academy Innovation School, Principal Liz Rogers announced recently.
Mrs. Cruz, who began her new role July 1, brings 13 years of teaching and administrative experience from various school districts to BAIS and is fluent in Spanish.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Yamilis as our Assistant Principal,” said Ms. Rogers. “Mrs. Cruz was able to visit Bentley last spring on multiple occasions, and has already begun to build relationships with staff, students, and families. She brings a strong background in literacy instruction and has spent the summer learning more about our school and our Dual Language program. We are all extremely fortunate and will benefit from Ms. Cruz’s dedication and commitment to equity in education.”
A native of Miami, Florida, Mrs. Cruz spent 10 years as an educator in Miami Dade County Public Schools and Broward County Public Schools, where she served as a literacy coach and taught English, reading, and English as a Second Language (ESL).
Mrs. Cruz and her family moved to Salem in 2021 after she accepted a position as an ESL educator at Chelsea Public Schools. After two years, she joined the staff at Collins Middle School.
“As a Latina with Cuban heritage and a Spanish speaker, what drew me to Bentley Academy Innovation School was the opportunity to contribute to a learning environment where diverse languages and cultures, including my own Cuban background, are celebrated and represented,” Mrs. Cruz said. “I believe deeply in the power of representation, and working in a dual language school allows me to support and uplift the voices and experiences of our students and families, honoring the richness of our shared heritage.”
Mrs. Cruz is a 2010 graduate of Florida International University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in English Education. She continued at FIU to receive her master’s degree in Reading Education in 2011 and later obtained her Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) from Nova Southeastern University in 2013.
Since then, Mrs. Cruz has received numerous certifications and licenses in both Florida and Massachusetts, including English for grades 5-12, Principal/Assistant Principal for grades pre-K-12, and all levels of reading and literacy instruction.
Mrs. Cruz is frequently approached to serve on committees and is currently a member of the Racial Equity Advisory Team and the Middle School Dual Language Task Force at Salem Public Schools. She also serves on the City of Salem Scholarship and Education Committee and volunteers for Salem Main Streets and The Salem Pantry.
Mrs. Cruz lives in Salem with her husband, Camilo, and their son.
About Salem Public Schools
Salem Public Schools is an urban public school district in Salem, Massachusetts. Salem is a small, diverse city with a proud maritime and immigrant history. Our leaders and our teachers are all passionate about education and understand the urgency of improving student achievement with equity and social-emotional needs as the lens we view all of our work through. We respect and value the racial, cultural, and linguistic diversity of our students and their families, and have a strong commitment to the Salem community. Salem Public Schools staff serve all of our students, regardless of ability or language. Salem Public Schools enrolls approximately 4,000 students across its eleven schools.
