Two curriculum co-ordinators and a special education program director were appointed Tuesday by the Darien Board of Education.
Here’s a news release issued Wednesday by the school district on the three appointments:
Darien Public Schools is pleased to announce the recent appointment of three administrators by the Darien Board of Education.
Two of the new administrators will lead the district’s elementary curriculum efforts in Literacy, Social Studies, Mathematics, and Science; one will serve as program director for Special Education and Student Services (SESS).
“We are fortunate to have been able to recruit and retain administrators of this caliber for the Darien Public Schools,” said Dan Brenner, superintendent of schools. “Each brings an important skill set and experience, along with a clear commitment to students and learning.”
The appointments were unanimously approved at the Oct. 13, 2015 Darien Board of Education meeting. Start dates for two of the three administrators are being negotiated.
Cory Gillette: Literacy and Social Studies Program Coordinator, K-5
At the elementary level, Cory Gillette was appointed Literacy and Social Studies Program Coordinator, K-5. Gillette has been in Darien serving in the role of Literacy Program Coordinator for the Darien Public Schools for the past two years.
Prior to joining Darien, Gillette was an Independent Literacy Consultant. She previously worked eight years as a Senior Staff Developer for Teachers College Reading and Writing Project, Columbia University, in New York.
She has also worked as an elementary school teacher in Brooklyn, NY, and Stamford, CT. Gillette has written and co-authored several works in the area of literacy, and has presented at numerous national conferences.
Gillette has a Post-Masters degree in Educational Leadership from Stony Brook University; Master of Science, Elementary Education, K-6, from University of Pennsylvania; and Bachelor of Arts, Economics (with honors) from Skidmore College.
“Cory’s passion, knowledge and enthusiasm has been evident in her direct work with teachers and children in the area of English Language Arts. The Darien Public Schools will now benefit from Cory’s work across content areas and in the area of Social Studies,” said Brenner.
Linda Johnson: Mathematics and Science Program Coordinator, K-5
Linda Johnson was appointed Mathematics and Science Program Coordinator, K-5. For the past five years, Johnson has been Assistant Principal of Kings Highway Elementary School in Westport, CT. Prior to that, Johnson served as District Coordinator for Elementary Math and
Science in Westport. Among her credits is supporting RTI work at Kings Highway. Additionally,
Johnson has been heavily involved in curriculum work, including Gifted and Talented Education. Johnson earned master’s degrees from the College of New Rochelle and University of Albany. She has a Bachelor of Science from the State University of Oswego.
Scott McCarthy: Program Director for Special Education and Student Services
Dr. Scott McCarthy was appointed to Program Director for Special Education and Student Services. McCarthy has served as a school psychologist at Central Middle School in Greenwich.
As part of his current responsibilities, McCarthy supervises 27 school psychologists in his role as Psychology Program Associate. He has led SRBI behavioral initiatives and authored articles on issues facing children today. He is a graduate of the University of Connecticut where he earned all of his professional degrees, including a PhD in 2014.
“Scott’s breadth of knowledge on policies, procedures and state mandates around the Planning and Placement Team process will support the work of Darien,” said Brenner.