Local Resident To Head Farmington Schools' Curriculum/Instruction

Farmington Public Schools

FARMINGTON, CT — The local school system announced Monday the appointment of a Portland school administrator to lead curriculum and instruction in Farmington schools.

The Farmington Board of Education and Farmington Superintendent Kathleen C. Greider said Farmington resident Eric Martin will become the district's new director of curriculum and instruction for the Farmington Public Schools, effective Jan. 21, 2025.

Martin will replace the current director of curriculum Veronica Ruzek, who has been appointed to the position of assistant superintendent of curriculum, instruction, and human resources.

Martin is the current director of curriculum, instruction, and technology within Portland Public Schools, serving in similar roles for approximately eight years.

“We enthusiastically welcome Eric Martin to the Farmington Public Schools. His expertise in learner-centered curriculum and instruction as well as high-quality professional development will advance deeper learning experiences for all students across the entire school district," said Greider in a statement Monday.

Farmington Board of Education Chairman Bill Beckert discussed the importance of Martin's role.

“Our director of curriculum and instruction is a critical position in supporting teachers and teacher leaders to implement our school and program development plans aligned to our core improvement documents," Beckert said.

"Eric is a resident and parent of children in Farmington, and the board of education is thrilled to appoint such an experienced and well-respected curriculum and instruction leader to the Farmington school district.”

Added Ruzek: “The director of curriculum and Instruction has broad responsibilities for shaping the teaching and learning experiences of both our students and faculty. We are excited to welcome Eric Martin to that position and to our leadership team where he will join us in planning for welcoming, active, and engaging classrooms across the district.”

Martin said he was excited to be working in his hometown school district and the one teaching his children.

“As a proud resident of Farmington and parent to two young FPS students, I could not be more excited to join such a visionary, talent-rich, and student-driven school district as ours," he said.

" In Farmington, our families and students undoubtedly deserve and ceaselessly receive from our teachers and leaders the very best in public education — a nurturing school community, deep learning experiences, and the promise of maximum growth for each and every child."

Martin is a Central Connecticut State University graduate with a Master's degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Saint Joseph, a 092 administration certification from Sacred Heart University, and a 093 superintendent certification from CCSU.

Prior to working in Portland, he served in the same role at Thomaston Public Schools from 2016 to 2020.

Martin also has teaching experience as a high school English teacher in West Hartford and Thomaston.