Maria Teresa Tejada

Maria Teresa Tejada is an education leader, consultant, and strategist with over 14 years of experience transforming schools through visionary planning, inclusive leadership, and operational excellence. As the Co-Founder of LiftEd Strategies LLC, she partners with school leaders to design and implement tailored solutions that drive sustainable growth, supporting schools in strategic planning, program innovation, operations, bilingual education, and community engagement.

Maria Teresa began her career as a teacher, bringing cultural fluency and deep classroom insight to her work. She later rose to lead one of the most impactful school transformations in her region. As principal of St. Ambrose Catholic School, she developed the only dual language program in Northern Virginia’s private school system, built a diverse and talented faculty, secured funding for the school’s first major renovation in 27 years, and led programs that surpassed academic benchmarks in standardized testing.

With a background in financial management, school leadership, and program development, Maria Teresa brings a rare blend of strategic insight and hands-on experience. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Finance and a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership and Supervision, both from Marymount University. She also completed a fellowship in Latino Administration and Supervision of Schools through the University of Notre Dame, further strengthening her focus on inclusive leadership and culturally responsive practices.

She is deeply committed to advancing equity, expanding access to bilingual education, and supporting school leaders in building systems that lead to measurable, lasting improvement. Maria Teresa is also a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, and her work reflects a belief that with the right strategy and support, every school leader can lead with clarity, confidence, and impact.