Carlos Cortez

Carlos Cortez is currently Director of the Department of Education at UCLA Extension. He also serves as adjunct faculty for the University of Southern California.

Dr. Cortez worked in education at the P-12 level as a classroom teacher, administrator, and researcher for fifteen years before joining UCLA Extension. His experience spans the public, private, and charter school sectors in Washington DC, Houston, New York City, and Los Angeles. Most recently, Dr. Cortez served as Principal of New Village Charter School in Los Angeles. Prior to that, he served as Assistant Principal at Grape Street Elementary School and as Principal at STAR Prep Academy in Culver City. In these positions, he was known for his dedication to teachers and students, for developing innovative programs and services, and for sound management. His commitment to social justice drives his passion for urban education reform.

Dr. Cortez’s educational background includes a bachelors degree in History and Sociology from Georgetown University; a masters degree in Race and Gender Politics from New York University; and a doctor of philosophy in Education Policy and Administration from University of Southern California. He has earned a Tier I and II California Administrative Credential as well as Teaching Credentials from both New York and California.