From the classroom to leadership roles in the nation's largest public school system, Independence High School alumna Victoria Bredt, Class of 2006, has built a career dedicated to improving educational opportunities for students and strengthening public education.
Today, Bredt serves as senior strategy and portfolio director for the Fund for New York City Public Schools, where she connects philanthropic organizations, businesses and individual donors with the priorities of New York City Public Schools. Her work helps bring innovative educational programs to classrooms while developing strategies to sustain those programs for years to come.
Bredt's professional journey began in the classroom. After graduating from Cornell University with a bachelor's degree in urban and regional studies, she joined Teach For America and became a founding teacher at Leadership Prep Brownsville, an elementary school in Brooklyn, New York. She taught first, second and third grades, gaining firsthand experience with the opportunities and challenges facing students and educators.
Her passion for education eventually led her from teaching to systems leadership. Over the next 11 years, Bredt held several positions with the New York City Department of Education, including senior manager in the Office of Teacher Effectiveness, director of special projects in the Office of Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Learning, and director of communications and support in the Office of Teacher Development.
During her tenure, she collaborated with the New York State Education Department and union leadership to translate state education policy into practical guidance for more than 1,800 school leaders.
In March 2023, Bredt joined the Fund for New York City Public Schools, where she now works at the intersection of education, philanthropy and strategic planning.
Her portfolio includes NYC Reads, an initiative focused on literacy instruction; NYC Solves, which supports mathematics education; community schools; artificial intelligence strategy; and teacher recruitment and retention.
Among her accomplishments, Bredt has helped mobilize philanthropic support for NYC Reads and NYC Solves, two major initiatives that have remained priorities through multiple changes in district leadership. She is now focused on developing sustainability and change management plans to ensure these programs become lasting parts of the school system rather than depending indefinitely on private funding.
Bredt credits strong relationships, collaboration and thoughtful planning as essential elements of her professional approach. "What ties my work together is a belief that good ideas need strong systems and relationships behind them," Bredt shares in her professional biography. "I do my best work when I can take something complex, bring the right people to the table, and build a plan that people can actually carry out."
Her commitment to education is also reflected in her academic achievements. In addition to her bachelor's degree from Cornell University, Bredt earned a master's degree in education from Hunter College and a master’s degree in Public Education Management through The Broad Center at the Yale School of Management.
Reflecting on Her Independence Roots
Although her career has taken her to New York City, Bredt remembers her years at Independence High School as a time filled with opportunities to explore her interests, develop leadership skills and build relationships with teachers who encouraged her to succeed.
Music was a significant part of her high school experience. She participated in marching band under the direction of Mr. Ken Gunlicks, vocal ensemble, madrigal dinners and school musicals. Her memories include memorable band camps, performing at Disney and even an unexpected appendicitis diagnosis that required her to leave Camp Burton and spend the marching band season playing the tambourine. Among her favorite experiences were the madrigal dinners, including the year she was selected as queen, and the many friendships and memories she made through the performing arts.
Beyond music, Bredt found opportunities to pursue her academic interests, particularly in science. She recalls how teacher Mr. Scott Maretka allowed her to complete environmental science as an independent study when the course would not fit into her schedule. That experience taught her a lesson that would influence her approach to education long after graduation. "I think that experience (beyond loving the subject) taught me to always advocate for my learning," she said.
She also remembers receiving additional help in calculus from Mr. Mark Echstenkamper who worked with her during lunch. "I've been lucky - these teachers always cared and were willing to help," said Bredt. That encouragement gave her the confidence to seek opportunities and ask questions throughout college. At Cornell University, she successfully petitioned to have several courses count toward degree requirements, allowing her to graduate in just three years.
"No one 'told me' to do that but I learned to always advocate for myself and ask what's possible," she said.
Bredt also credits her English teachers, Mr. James Walchanowicz and Mr. Eric Magyari, with developing the writing and communication skills she uses regularly in her professional career. She remembers their challenging coursework and high expectations, which helped prepare her for the extensive grant writing, reporting and strategic communications responsibilities she handles today. "I was trained by the best!" she said.
Her involvement in extracurricular activities provided additional opportunities to develop leadership skills and discover interests that would shape her future. Through Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), Bredt participated in leadership activities at both the school and state levels. She credits the experience with teaching her how to organize people, work toward common goals and lead initiatives.
Her participation in Look Up to Cleveland introduced her to students from other schools and helped spark her interest in urban studies, which she later pursued at Cornell University.
Key Club also played an important role in developing her commitment to community service. She credits the organization, along with the example set by her parents, with inspiring her to become a lifelong volunteer.
Bredt's experiences at Independence High School provided more than academic preparation. They taught her to take initiative, seek opportunities, build relationships and become actively involved in the communities around her. Those lessons remain central to her work today.
For current Independence High School students, Bredt encourages making the most of the opportunities available to them, both inside and outside the classroom. "Work hard; talk to people; advocate for yourself; get involved - whatever you've got, take advantage of it," she said.
Her own experiences illustrate that advice. Whether seeking an independent study opportunity in high school, connecting with students through leadership organizations or pursuing new academic and professional opportunities, Bredt has found that asking questions and becoming involved can open unexpected doors.
She also emphasizes the importance of relationships, a principle that has guided her career from the classroom to district leadership and philanthropy.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Bredt volunteers with Animal Haven, an animal rescue organization, enjoys playing the tuba and spends time in New York City's Central Park.
Her journey from Independence High School to educational leadership in New York City reflects the many paths graduates can take to make a difference in their communities. Through her work connecting people, resources and ideas, Bredt is helping create educational opportunities for students and educators across New York City.
As a member of the Independence High School Class of 2006, Bredt carries forward the lessons she learned from teachers who challenged her, encouraged her curiosity and supported her ambitions. Her career reflects the value of a strong educational foundation and the importance of using one's talents and experiences to serve others.
Her story is another example of how Independence High School alumni are Rooted in Excellence, taking the lessons and opportunities of their school years into careers that strengthen communities and make a difference in the lives of others.