Monica Maccera Filppu is an educator and non-profit leader dedicated to ensuring that all children receive the high-quality education they need to achieve their full potential and build the life of their choosing. With nearly 30 years of experience, she has focused on expanding access to strong educational opportunities for children and families, particularly by strengthening teacher preparation, advocating for school choice, and developing innovative learning models.
Monica began her career as a third-grade teacher in a dual-language school, where she saw firsthand the transformative impact of language learning on student success. This experience shaped her commitment to educational equity and excellence. In 2007, she joined the staff of Teach For America, CT, where she led an alternate route to certification, working with district, state, and university partners to ensure that teacher preparation directly supports student achievement. She later became the Founding Executive Director and Principal of Great Oaks Charter School in Bridgeport, CT, launching an academic model that expanded school choice and incorporated high-dosage tutoring to accelerate student learning. At the Teach Western Mass Residency, she built a teacher certification program focused on developing a strong, effective educator workforce in high-demand subject areas. Most recently, Monica was the Executive Director of Common Ground High School Urban Farm and Environmental Education Center in New Haven.
Monica holds a Master’s Degree in TESOL/Bilingual Education from Georgetown University. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her large extended family, cooking, and exploring nature in urban settings.