Monica Liang-Aguirre has been named the Early Learning Director for the City of Seattle’s Department of Education and Early Learning. Liang-Aguirre will oversee the City’s investments in early childhood education, including the launch of the Seattle Preschool Program.

“As an experienced educator and leader, Monica is ready to spur our effort to close the opportunity gap that impacts too many of Seattle’s youngest students,” said Mayor Murray. “She joins the City at a pivotal time, as she will be instrumental in opening the doors to preschool for hundreds of children.”

Liang-Aguirre currently serves as Deputy Chief of the Early Childhood Education Division for the District of Columbia Public Schools, where she oversees 58 preschools located within Title I schools serving at-risk and low-income students. The district’s early learning program includes many elements similar to the newly formed Seattle Preschool Program, including rigorous teacher education requirements and mixed-income classrooms.

“I am excited to join the City’s early education team, and feel honored to be taking part in laying the groundwork for the City’s newest preschool initiative,” Liang-Aguirre said. “I look forward to learning more about the great work going on to improve the quality of early learning in Seattle, and I am excited to do my part to further those efforts.”

Liang-Aguirre has extensive experience in school leadership, partnering with community based organizations, implementing dual-language education, and working to close the achievement gap. Liang-Aguirre started her professional career in the classroom as a Spanish teacher, and is fluent in both German and Spanish.

Liang-Aguirre will join the City on July 13. Her annual salary will be $130,000.

Liang-Aguirre’s husband, Jesús Aguirre, was nominated by Mayor Murray for the Parks Department superintendent role in February and is currently undergoing the Seattle City Council’s confirmation process.