Meisha Porter makes history as the first black woman in the role of schools chancellor, overseeing a system that educated her as she grew up in South Jamaica, Queens and that employed her aunt and mom as teachers.

“What I learned from my favorite teacher, my mommy, is the importance that one teacher makes in the life of every young person,” Porter said.

Porter started her career as a youth organizer in Highbridge before becoming a teacher 20 years ago at the Bronx School for Law, Government, and Justice, which she helped to create. In 2018, Chancellor Richard Carranza appointed her Bronx Executive Superintendent, a new position overseeing 361 schools. 

“We’ll continue to build on investments we made in your children, our children, because every child deserves a rigorous, high-quality education where they see themselves in the curriculum every single day," Porter said.

Porter says her experience with opening the admissions process for middle schools in the Bronx will guide her as the city moves to further desegregate the public schools.

“The reality is, segregation exists, and I’m not gonna shy away from the importance of looking at the inequities around the admission processes,” she said.

Porter's most pressing priority will leading the schools through the pandemic. First up will be reopening high schools, then fully reopening the entire system by September. She promises it will be done while supporting the emotional and social needs of students.

“I am ready to hit the ground running and lead New York City schools to full recovery," she said. "It won’t be easy, but clearly I’ve never done anything easy.”

She promises to never forget what it’s like to be in the classroom.

“I’m so honored so honored to serve in this role, and I understand greatly what it means for it to be me," she said. "And to all the little girls out there, I’m saving a seat for you.”