Dr. Angel Gonzalez, IRT ’06 shares his professional journey and focus on the pivotal role of middle school education
Dr. Angel Gonzalez, De La Salle Academy alum class of ’99 and IRT ’06, is the Head of School at De La Salle Academy (DLSA). After attending IRT’s summer internship program, Angel completed his undergraduate degree in sociology at Hunter College-CUNY and was admitted to the University of California, Berkeley for a M.A. and Ph.D. program in Social and Cultural Studies in Education. Angel returned to his middle school alma mater as the social studies teacher and after serving as Academic Dean, Director of Admissions, and Principal, he became Head of School in 2021, taking over from the Founder of the School, Brother Brian Carty, FSC. Angel has taught as an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Africana and Puerto Rican/Latino Studies and the School of Education at Hunter College, CUNY, and as an adjunct professor in the Educational Leadership Program at the Klingenstein Center at Teachers College, Columbia University. In 2024, he was elected to the Board of Trustees for the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).
De La Salle Academy
De La Salle Academy (DLSA) is an independent middle school in the heart of New York City for academically talented, economically less advantaged students. Since 1984, it has stayed true to its mission of education excellence and equity by providing needs-blind admissions and life-changing educational experiences for students in grades 6-8. DLSA prioritizes accessibility to a world-class education for students who may have not had access. DLSA is an intentionally small, mission-driven school that has always been at the heart of providing an exceptional education to underserved students. Now celebrating its 40th anniversary, we believe we stand at a pivotal moment in our history.
DLSA stands as a leader in recognizing the pivotal role middle school education plays in shaping a student’s lifelong love of learning. By providing an academically rigorous and nurturing environment tailored to the unique developmental needs of middle schoolers, we foster intellectual curiosity and a passion for discovery. Our innovative curriculum – combined with a deep commitment to character development – empowers students to see learning as a lifelong journey. Through a holistic approach that integrates academic excellence with social-emotional growth, we ensure that students are not only prepared for the next stages of their education but are also inspired to embrace a mindset of continuous learning, curiosity, and growth throughout their lives.
DLSA works hard to create an inclusive climate and culture in our community and support for BIPOC, low-income, and first-generation college-bound students and families. By cultivating an expert Leadership Team to support the work of the Head of School, we respond intentionally to inequity with creativity and innovation. We strive to create a brighter future for generations to come by ensuring that early adolescence is a community focused, inspiring, and joyful moment in our students’ educational journey, regardless of their socio-economic status.
Our Leadership Team (62% people of color, 75% women, and 25% alums) is a living testament that “nothing for us should be without us.” Six alums are Trustees and six alums are current faculty/staff members including the Head of School and Assistant Head of School. DLSA’s faculty/staff also reflects the diversity of the school with 61% of faculty/staff being people of color. We partner and recruit locally, including the City University of New York, where the student populations reflect the racial and economic diversity of our city. Our school counselor and high school placement counselors, both multilingual women of color, support students and families throughout their time at DLSA and thereafter.
We work diligently to find the right academic AND cultural fit for all students. We do not simply talk about diversity but are privileged in living in diversity as our students represent different racial/ethnic groups, religious affiliations, neighborhoods, immigration statuses, gender identities, and languages. As a school that benefits from diversity, we work to meet the responsibility of ensuring that our students and families feel seen, heard, and empowered to bring all of who they are through our doors. Our curriculum ensures students see their communities in their learning, especially as they read works from diverse authors. All students are required to take Civil and Human Rights and Sociology, where they develop the social literacy necessary to lead in a multicultural and pluralistic society. Externally, we demonstrate our commitment by actively engaging with our broader community through partnerships to supplement and strengthen our curriculum.
In an academic landscape largely focused on early childhood and high school education, DLSA understands the nuances of what middle schoolers need, and we know how to meet them where they are. It is our privilege to send our students out into the world as both scholars and empathetic, community-minded leaders.
Institute for Recruitment of Teachers 