Yara Ylsa Tavarez-DeLaFuentes
Yara Tavarez-DeLaFuentes, Ed.D. Candidate, M.Ed., is a seasoned educational leader with nearly 30 years of experience in public education. She is currently serving her 12th year as Principal at Boggy Creek Elementary School in Osceola County, where she leads a high-performing Dual-Language PreK–5 program. Throughout her career, Yara has been committed to fostering academic excellence, promoting bilingual and dual-language instruction, and creating inclusive, student-centered learning environments. Her leadership philosophy centers on education as a service and an avenue for advocacy—supporting students, families, and staff alike. Yara began her career as a bilingual dual-language elementary teacher and progressed through roles as a literacy, math, and science coach, assistant principal, and district resource specialist for multilingual and English language learners. Along the way, she has mentored and developed multiple assistant principals and helped paraprofessionals transition into teaching roles, demonstrating her dedication to building leaders at every level. Her professional focus emphasizes instructional rigor, equity, and inclusive practices that ensure English language learners thrive academically and socially. Educationally, Yara holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Bank Street College of Education and is a Doctorate Candidate in Educational Leadership and Administration at the American College of Education. She is certified by the Florida Department of Education in Educational Leadership K-12 and ESOL K-12 and is bilingual in Spanish. Beyond her administrative responsibilities, Yara is passionate about community engagement and collaboration, working with educators, families, and stakeholders to advance educational opportunities and ensure every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.
• ESOL K-12 Endorsement
• Educational Leadership K-12
• Elementary Education K-6
• Reading Endorsement
• School Principal K-12
• Spanish K-12
• Bank Street College of Education - MEd, Educational Leadership Principal’s Institute
• The City College of New York - MS, Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
• The City College of New York - BSEEd
• Borough of Manhattan Community College - AAS
• Multiple nominations for Administrator of the Year
• Member of the Florida Association of School Administrators
• Casa de la Dominicanidad
What do you attribute your success to?
Every success I have achieved is rooted in my faith and the foundation laid by my family. I attribute my accomplishments to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whose guidance has sustained me through every challenge and triumph. As the child of immigrant parents from the Dominican Republic, I was raised with a deep appreciation for hard work, perseverance, and purpose. My parents came to the United States with a single dream—that their children would have access to a strong education and opportunities they themselves never had. Through their sacrifices, unwavering support, and belief in the power of education, I have been empowered to pursue excellence and continually strive for higher goals.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received came from my father, Rafael: give 100 percent of your effort and leave nothing on the table. His words have guided every step of my professional journey, reminding me that excellence is not accidental—it is the result of commitment, consistency, and giving your very best in everything you do.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My guiding principles are simple yet powerful, shaping both my personal journey and my work as an educational leader. I believe deeply in pursuing what you love, because passion fuels perseverance and gives meaning to even the most challenging work. When individuals are connected to purpose, they are more willing to grow, take risks, and remain committed even in the face of obstacles.
I also value education as a truly transformative force. Education has the power to change lives, open doors, and create opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. It is not just about academic achievement, but about empowering individuals with confidence, critical thinking, and the belief that their future can be shaped by their efforts. I see education as the foundation for equity, opportunity, and long‑term success.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field of education include addressing learning gaps while meeting the diverse academic and social‑emotional needs of students, supporting educators amid increasing demands, and ensuring equitable access to high‑quality instruction for all learners. Navigating these challenges requires intentional leadership, collaboration, and a continued commitment to student growth.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are faith, integrity, discipline, and service to others. My faith grounds my purpose and guides my decisions, reminding me to lead with humility and compassion. Integrity shapes how I show up each day—being honest, consistent, and accountable in every responsibility I take on. Discipline and resilience drive my work ethic and commitment to growth, even in challenging moments. Above all, I value service, believing that true success is measured not only by personal achievement but by the positive impact we have on the lives of others.