Vikram Arora

Mathematics educator and school-system leader with nearly two decades of experience building rigorous, differentiated, technology-supported learning environments and guiding educators through instructional change. Former principal and assistant principal/program chair with deep expertise in mastery- and proficiency-based learning, formative assessment, project-based instruction, professional development, coaching, and implementation monitoring. Proven relationship-builder who has developed sustained partnerships with schools, universities, and external organizations to expand opportunity and improve measurable student outcomes.

Principal - Columbia Secondary School for Math, Science, and Engineering - New York, NY

(2023-03 - 2026-07)

Led schoolwide instructional strategy, implementation, staff development, student support, scheduling, operations, and external partnerships in a diverse STEM community.

• Expanded advanced, AP, and college-credit programs and built pathways to university coursework, internships, and research through close collaboration with Columbia University and other partners.
• Used student-performance, implementation, and compliance data to identify priorities, adjust supports, and communicate progress; key subjects achieved 100% pass rates.
• Implemented schoolwide office hours and schedule redesigns that increased student access to individualized academic support and strengthened teacher collaboration.
• Raised special education compliance from 71% to 99% and established an equitable dedicated testing environment for students requiring accommodations.
• Developed staff through observation, targeted feedback, collaborative planning, and professional learning; organized educational-technology and AI-learning initiatives for faculty and students.
• Established a grant-writing team that secured resources for technology, laboratories, facilities, and social-emotional learning.

Board Member - Columbia University Pre-College Program Advisory Board - New York, NY

(2024-09)

• Advise on program development and partnership strategy to expand meaningful pre-college learning opportunities for high school students.

Assistant Principal & Program Chair, Mathematics and Computer Science - The Bronx High School of Science - New York, NY

(2016-09 - 2023-03)

Owned mathematics and computer science program strategy across curriculum, assessment, course development, teacher supervision, professional learning, and instructional improvement.

• Used classroom and assessment evidence to guide implementation and improve outcomes, helping increase Algebra II Regents mastery from 40% to 79%.
• Designed and implemented advanced electives and expanded AP program capacity by training eight faculty members for College Board AP assignments.
• Implemented proficiency-based grading, formative assessment, project-based learning, and high-quality online enrichment to support learner variability and skill mastery.
• Designed and delivered professional development, coached teachers, and organized schoolwide learning walks and cross-departmental intervisitations to strengthen implementation quality.
• Partnered with MIT to secure technology-focused summer programs and scholarships for approximately 20 students.

Mathematics Teacher, Instructional Lead & Inquiry Team Leader - Health Opportunities High School, New York City Department of Education - New York, NY

(2007-02 - 2016-08)

Taught Algebra I, Algebra II, College Algebra, Numerical Methods, Precalculus, Computer Applications, and Web Design; designed the Computer Applications and Web Design curriculum.

• Served repeatedly as mathematics instructional lead, delivered professional learning, mentored a first-year teacher, and advised on pedagogy and classroom engagement.
• Led and participated in data-inquiry teams focused on English language learners and Geometry; inquiry work contributed to improved school performance ratings.
• Supported student attendance through Success Mentors, a relationship-based mentoring initiative.

Master Teacher Fellow - Math for America - New York, NY

(2013-06 - 2016-08)

• Selected for a community of outstanding STEM educators and completed sustained professional learning in mathematics, science, and pedagogy.

MS - Mathematics Education - City College of New York

Wallace Fellowship - Educational Leadership - Bank Street College of Education

MBA - International Business - Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, New Delhi

Bachelor of Engineering - Birla Institute of Technology, Ranchi