Natasia Cooper-Blocker is the Chief Academic Officer at Foundation Academies Charter School in Trenton, New Jersey. With a passion for education and a dedication to student success, Natasia has built a remarkable career in the field of education, consistently demonstrating her commitment to developing leaders and fostering an enriching learning environment. She joined Foundation Academies in 2016 as the Primary School Principal and has since played a crucial role in transforming the school's academic performance and culture.

Under Natasia's leadership, Foundation Academies has seen a significant improvement in school performance ratings, leaping from the 30th percentile to the 69th percentile within a year. As Chief Academic Officer, she has created and implemented a network-wide academic vision, ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned and prepared to achieve this vision. Her collaborative approach involves working closely with members of the Training and Development, Special Services, Data & Assessment, and College & Career departments to ensure coordinated planning and consistent implementation of the school’s strategic plan. This concerted effort focuses on eliminating the opportunity gap and improving student outcomes.

Natasia's journey in education began in 2003 as a Teach For America Corps member in Baltimore, Maryland, where she taught 5th and 6th grade for four years. Upon returning to her home state of New Jersey, she continued teaching for an additional six years before transitioning into administration. Her hands-on experience in the classroom has equipped her with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that educators face, allowing her to provide effective leadership and support to her teams.

Before joining Foundation Academies, Natasia served as the Assistant Principal of Instruction at Mastery Charter School's Harrity Campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There, she led and supervised a team of teachers, provided professional development, and ensured effective data collection and analysis to identify and support struggling students. She also played a key role in fostering a participatory, student-centered culture that drove student outcomes. Additionally, she held the position of Assistant Principal at KIPP Philadelphia Charter School, where she managed systems and structures to support students with academic and behavioral needs and developed teachers through coaching and feedback.

Natasia's educational background is as impressive as her professional experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Syracuse University and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Johns Hopkins University. She also earned her Principal Certification through Philly PLUS (Philadelphia Pathway to Leadership in Urban Schools), and she holds multiple teaching and principal certifications in New Jersey, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.

Throughout her career, Natasia has been recognized for her ability to create a stimulating and motivating learning environment. Her dedication to curriculum development, standardized testing and scores, literacy instruction and coaching, leadership and team building, and early intervention strategies has consistently resulted in high levels of student performance and engagement. She is a dynamic visionary leader who excels in relationship building and leadership coaching, fostering strong connections with students, staff, and the broader school community.

Natasia Cooper-Blocker's commitment to excellence in education and her ability to inspire and lead others make her a highly respected figure in the educational community. Her work at Foundation Academies Charter School continues to positively impact the lives of students and educators, setting a standard for academic achievement and community engagement.