Jayda Pugliese is the Principal and President of Nazareth Academy Grade School, a private Catholic elementary school in partnership with Holy Family University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She facilitates national and international professional development and training for schools, districts, and universities in best teaching practices; designing accessible instruction for diverse learners; STEAM-based technology integration (e.g., 3D printing, design thinking, digital design, blended/remote learning practices); implementing effective leadership; integrating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into education and leadership; systems-wide strategic planning; and more.
At the time of her Milken Educator Award in 2016, Pugliese was a fifth-grade math and science teacher at Andrew Jackson School in Philadelphia, where she consistently raised expectations for her students through innovative, hands-on learning. More than 80% of her students demonstrated at least one year’s growth in math skills, and many exceeded grade-level expectations due to her creative, technology-enhanced instruction. Her STEAM-focused classroom became a model of innovation, equipped with a 3D printer, microscopes, and “snap circuits” for studying electricity—resources she secured through successful DonorsChoose.org campaigns. Her fifth graders used their 3D printer to design products, write business plans, and present their ideas as part of a classroom “company.” She also wrote and secured a competitive blended learning grant, training and mentoring colleagues across the district to effectively integrate technology into instruction. Beyond the classroom, Pugliese served as a professional learning community leader, grade band chair, and districtwide professional development facilitator in technology integration and inclusive education. She founded HYPE (Healthy Youth, Positive Energy), an after-school program that earned recognition as one of Philadelphia’s best, promoting wellness, teamwork, and leadership among students.
In July 2018, Pugliese was appointed Principal of St. Mary Interparochial School in Philadelphia, where she led the school to new levels of academic excellence and community engagement. Under her leadership, St. Mary Interparochial School was recognized as a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.
As of July 2025, Pugliese serves as Principal and President of Nazareth Academy Grade School, located on Holy Family University's campus, where she continues to champion innovation, accessibility, and holistic student growth. She established an official partnership with Holy Family University, fostering collaboration that enriches the academic growth of students, the professional development of Nazareth Academy Grade School staff, and the teaching and learning experiences of preservice teachers, faculty, and staff at the university.
Pugliese also serves as an adjunct instructor at Holy Family University, mentoring future educators in assistive technology, inclusive education, and effective teaching practices. Her leadership and impact have been recognized nationally—she was a 2023 ARTEFFECT Ambassador, a 2022 Fellow at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, a 2021 Performance Partner Program participant within the Philadelphia Academy of School Leaders, and a 2019 finalist for Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year. She has held additional leadership roles including Vice President of her local TESOL affiliate, and member of the Teacher Advisory Council for the Philadelphia Zoo.
Pugliese holds a B.A. in Special Education and Elementary Education and an M.Ed. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and Literacy, and she is completing her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Administration, all from Holy Family University.
Born and raised in South Philadelphia, Pugliese is the first in her family to graduate from high school and earn a college degree. She has severe hearing loss and wears bilateral hearing aids, using her personal journey to advocate for accessibility, empathy, and equity in education. Her story—rooted in perseverance, purpose, and service—continues to inspire educators and students across the nation and beyond.
Press release: Full STEAM Ahead: Philadelphia Science and Math Teacher First in Nation to Receive 2016-17 Milken Educator Award, $25,000 Cash Prize
