Ms. Lisa DePaola, the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction for Plainedge Schools, received the 2021 Visionary Award at the recent Long Island Technology and Education Summit presented by Nassau BOCES. This award was created to recognize the impact that technology can have on student learning by selecting an administrator who has demonstrated vision, leadership and support of technology initiatives as it relates to the educational needs of students and teachers. Congratulations, Assistant Superintendent Ms. DePaola!
Ms. DePaola is a lifelong learner, receiving degrees from the University of Florida (BSBA’03 - Finance, MSESS’04 – Exercise and Sports Sciences/Sports Management), St. John’s University (MS’07 - Education, Ed.D.’22 - Education Supervision/Administration-anticipated), and Stony Brook University (CAGS’11 - Educational Leadership). Through excellent leadership skills and working knowledge of current exemplary educational pedagogy, she collaborates with stakeholders to provide all students exceptionally engaging learning experiences.
Ms. DePaola began her education career as a New York City math teacher for at-risk students and then became Assistant Principal in Lawrence. In her current position in Plainedge, Ms. DePaola built successful STEAM, Universal Pre-K, curriculum, summer, and adult education programs, enrichment academies, and unique educational spaces with state-of-the art technology across grades K-12 to foster students’ 21st Century Skills. Collaborating with middle school staff, she helped earn the school a national accreditation as an Essential Elements Schools-to-Watch. Recently, Ms. DePaola re-imagined and reopened schools amidst COVID with committees to ensure continuity of instruction in safe environments. To meet social-emotional needs of staff and students, she assisted in partnering with Northwell Health to provide mental health services. Ms. DePaola is an integral part of the community-building relationships inside and outside of the school district.
From sports arenas (MSG/Rangers) to political and educational arenas (NY Attorney General’s Office; Plainedge), Ms. DePaola uses her skills and experiences in public relations, finance, and education to create policies, write grants, and provide top-notch education, enriching programs, and events to all students and community members.