Coolidge Middle School Principal Appointed Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Teaching

Superintendent John Doherty recently announced that Coolidge Middle School Principal Craig Martin will be the new Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Teaching. Martin will replace Assistant Superintendent Patty de Garavilla.

Garavilla will retire at the end of the school year and Martin's new position will be effective on July 1.

According to a recent press release, Martin's new position will require him to work with the director of student services, behavioral health coordinator, building level administrators, and teachers "to successfully integrate the common core state standards, learning initiatives, and instructional practices for all students." 

Martin has taught in Reading Public Schools since 1997, the release said. He started as an English teacher at Coolidge Middle School and became the principal in 2005.

"Mr. Martin has been a valuable member of the administrative team since 2004, when he became an Assistant Principal at Coolidge and then in 2005 when he became Coolidge Principal. He has been an educator in the district since 1997.  He brings a variety of strengths to the position all which have a focus of doing what is in the best interest of students," Doherty said. "He is a very effective communicator and has a strong work ethic. He understands how to lead the implementation of programs and policies which will be a critical skill that is going to be needed as we continue to implement the Common Core State Standards, Educator Evaluation, and assessments to measure standards.  He has been an active participant in district wide committees involving educator evaluation, Common Core, and assessments."

Among his many accomplishments, Martin was recognized by the Association for Middle Level Education in 2004 and presented the “Distinguished Educator Award.”  In 2007, he was invited to present in China at an International Forum on Education.

He has actively made a difference in Reading's school district by participating in initiatives such as the Teacher Assessment Process (TAP), Behavioral Health Task Force and Common Core State Standard Implementation.  

The school district is still in the process of hiring a new principal for the Coolidge Middle School.