Professional
Profile
Dr. Leonardo Torres Pagán, a seasoned academic and leader with over 40 years of experience in public and private education, is deeply committed to reshaping Puerto Rico's educational system to serve its people effectively. With an intimate understanding of the Puerto Rican public education system, Dr. Torres has held key positions such as teacher, Director of the Mathematics Program, and Undersecretary of Academic and Programmatic Affairs. In the private sector, he continues to make an impact as a recognized university professor in educational and academic development.
In his work, Dr. Torres reflects on and critiques the existing educational framework, presenting a bold vision for an integrated system that places the student at its unequivocal center. His philosophy emphasizes that every component of the educational ecosystem—students, teachers, parents, community, administrators, and policymakers—must work cohesively to nurture the holistic development of learners. Dr. Torres advocates for redefining traditional roles: teachers as empowered agents of change, school principals as academic leaders fostering collaborative cultures, and middle management as facilitators supporting schools with data-driven decision-making and innovation.
Dr. Torres’ vision calls for the creation of a new Department of Education—one that prioritizes innovation, addresses individual and collective needs, and focuses on measurable results. This transformed system aims not only to educate but also to prepare students to thrive in a global economy by fostering critical thinking, innovation, and adaptability to emerging challenges. For Dr. Torres, education is inextricably linked to Puerto Rico’s economic development, civic progress, and global competitiveness.
His educational philosophy underscores the importance of creating a truly democratic society where individuals and organizations have the capacity and autonomy to challenge existing power structures, reduce inequalities, and drive social change. He sees education as a tool to cultivate informed, empowered citizens capable of critical inquiry, ethical engagement, and meaningful innovations skills vital not only for democracy but also for sustainable economic progress.
Dr. Torres' work provides a roadmap to prosperity through education, calling on Puerto Ricans to embrace the transformative journey necessary to build a hopeful and equitable future. His leadership and dedication continue to inspire a new vision for education that equips students with the tools to contribute to the collective well-being of their communities and the world.
