Mr. Niels Mateo

Mr. Niels F. Mateo was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and spent part of his childhood in Alexandria, VA, and San Diego, CA, while his father transitioned from U.S. Army service. A U.S. Navy veteran, Mr. Mateo retired in 2014 after 26 years of active duty, specializing in national security operations with an emphasis on strategic planning and organizational management. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Norwich University and a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA.

Following his military career, Mr. Mateo began his work in education at the Washington International School, gaining experience in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program. He later earned a Professional Educator Certification from the State of Florida. In 2015, he joined DoDEA as a JROTC instructor in Naples, Italy, where he focused on leadership development, school improvement, and fostering collaboration among the school, command, and community.

In 2019, Mr. Mateo transitioned to Lakenheath High School in the United Kingdom as an Assistant Principal. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic prioritized student and staff safety, data-driven instructional practices, and wellness initiatives developed through strategic dialogue. In 2022, he became the Principal of Antilles High School in Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico. During his tenure, he achieved significant institutional improvements, including increased academic performance, expanded extracurricular programs, enhanced parental engagement, and strengthened partnerships with the military community. His efforts aligned school priorities with garrison objectives, ensuring a unified approach to student success.

Mr. Mateo’s leadership philosophy views schools as central to their communities. He advocates collaborative solutions tailored to local needs, increasing engagement among stakeholders and promoting programs that balance physical, mental, and moral development for students.

Married to Laura Moreno for 32 years, Mr. Mateo has one daughter, Sabrina. The family resides in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.