Dr. José A. Salgado

Dr. Salgado is currently the principal of the Mario Umana Middle School Academy in East Boston, Massachusetts. Under his leadership the Mario Umana has been transformed into one of the better performing schools in the state. After being defined as one of the most dangerous schools in the city, the Umana is now a peaceful and respectful schools in the state. The Umana now provides students with a variety rigorous academic program allowing the school to improve in all standardized tests. Most importantly, the Umana now hosts a comprehensive wellness program, which provides every student with an innovative curriculum on health and health issues. Every student at the school participates in at least two sports activities every day. The school has also hired a chef that has transformed the nutrition content of every meal. This wellness program also includes mental, cultural, and other medical services for all students.

Dr. Salgado began his education career as a teacher in Honduras. In 1991, Dr Salgado was granted a Fulbright Scholarship to attend Boston University. Dr. Salgado also holds a Ph.D. from Harvard University, where he also taught courses in teacher training and politics of education. He was Dean of Curriculum and Programs at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School. Prior to that, Dr. Salgado spent ten years as a Head Teacher in the Cambridge Public Schools. In addition, Dr. Salgado has taught at the secondary and collegiate levels in his native Honduras and has served as educational consultant to the Honduran Ministry of Education, the Organization of American States, and the Pan-American Health Organization. Doctor Salgado has taught both at Harvard ad at the innovative Boston Teacher Residency Program. He also served as the Undersecretary of Education of his native Honduras. In 2008 Dr. Salgado was chosen East Boston Man of the Year for his contributions to the transformation of the community.