Jalima Alicea began her career as a paraprofessional in Baltimore City Schools. She transitioned to a Special Education teacher where she provided specially designed instruction to students with disabilities in grades K-6. After 5 years of teaching, Jalima assumed a leadership role as the Special Education Coordinator and Deputy Director of Special Education with Friendship Public Chater Schools in Washington, DC.

Jalima returned to Baltimore City Schools in 2009 where she held the roles of Educational Specialist in the Office of Special Education, Special Education Liaison, Coordinator of Specialized Learning and finally Director of Specialized Learning before transitioning to her current role as Executive Director of Teaching & Learning for Baltimore City Schools.