Implemented by Schools Superintendent Scott Rixford, the department will be led by former English as Second Language (ESL) instructor for the district Narin Stassis and will be located at Memorial Middle School.

"Although I have taught for 19 years within the district, I have had many varied experiences," said Stassis. "Besides teaching ESL and serving this very special group of students, I have had experience of teaching regular elementary education classes and college level as well. Upon Mr. Rixford’s arrival two years ago, he was able to hire a second ESL teacher due to the growth of English language learners. There was a definite need for more staffing to accommodate their needs."

There have been many positive changes to the school district, according to Stassis. Through what is called the "co-teaching model method," the role of teachers as coaches works on improving instruction.

"A large part of what we are doing is developing our co-teaching and coaching models, as well as our curricula," she added. "We have identified that in a competitive marketplace what our students need to be successful as adults is changing and we must change with that need. It is all about improving instruction for our students and preparing them for their future."

Every year the state requires that school administrators survey each teacher in terms of what his or her needs are in academic areas. Many times the teachers have an idea of areas that they may need to be more current and up to date on.

"Sometimes we bring in people from outside resources or use staff from our own district but I am quite familiar with this school district and with state reports," she noted. "I am excited about the work ahead of me. I know firsthand that we have an excellent teaching staff that will benefit from this office’s services. I look forward to working with the teachers and administration in this new capacity."

Stassis holds a master’s degree in international education and administration as well as a state certification. Her new role will include coordinating state testing in the district and providing professional development in various forms. Currently, she is updating each school’s curriculum to make sure that all three meet the state mandates. As the testing coordinator, she will be working on professional development for the school district’s entire teaching staff.

"Like every other school district in New Jersey, we are going to have professional development days and will provide in service to all teachers," she explained. "As we teach, we’re constantly developing our skills. With the support of the board of education, two separate and highly defined areas were created. All academic based programs now fall under this newly defined Curriculum and Instruction/Academic Programs office. We know teachers are the most critical element to instruction and instructional improvement."

There was and is an absolute need to have a coordination of our overall academic programs, she says.

"Teachers need support to bring new and differentiated ways of teaching into their classrooms to meet the defined needs of all their students. I am very excited about the work ahead of me."