This fall, incoming Johnson School principal Alison Salerno will take a big step up from her current position as math teacher at Bethel Middle School, where she has served since 2006.
"For me, Bethel Public Schools is home," she told Bethel Patch. "And I'm honored and delighted. I look forward to the opportunity to continue moving the school to the next level -- for me, that's building family partnerships and ensuring all students are exposed to a rigorous curriculum."
Board of Education officials announced Salerno's selection at a Monday meeting. With more than 20 years of experience ranging from elementary to high school, Salerno has also been an active member of multiple school committees, including the Common Core Committee and the Assessment Committee.
"That work was really great foundational work for me," she said. "It helped me to understand a lot about the new ways of teaching and learning. I feel very prepared."
Salerno says she intends to continue the work of current principal Kathleen Gombos, who will assume the role of principal at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown this fall. She told Patch she's most looking forward to meeting with parents and exploring ways to "be ready for the 21st century."
"I'm really excited for this opportunity," she said. "I have a strong STEM background, so I'll be looking for ways to get technology into the classroom."
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