Summit Schools Select New Director Of Curriculum + Instruction

SUMMIT, NJ — Dr. Joseph Cordero, the current principal of Jefferson Elementary School, was selected as the next Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Summit Public Schools.

The formal approval of Cordero's new role is anticipated at the Board of Education meeting on Thursday. Cordero will remain as Principal of Jefferson Elementary through the summer as her transitions into his new position.

According to school spokesperson Laurene Callander, the district is currently in the search and interview process for the Jefferson principal position to replace Cordero.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Cordero as part of the district-level administrative team,” said Superintendent Scott Hough in a statement. "Dr. Cordero is a forward-thinking educational leader who always puts children first. As an established, successful, and respected leader in Summit Public Schools, we are confident he is going to continue to positively impact the teaching and learning at all of our schools."

During his five years at Jefferson, Cordero "analyzed district and state assessment data to reform instructional, created a curriculum for and helped launch the first STEAM Innovation Lab in the district and implemented an Anti-Racism/Social Justice Committee for administrators, principals and teachers," according to the district's announcement.

Prior to working in Summit, Cordero served in the Jersey City Public School District for 15 years as a teacher, literacy coach, assistant principal and principal.

"He is experienced in and passionate about meeting the needs of at-risk students by creating safe, imaginative and enriched learning cultures that help students achieve at their highest levels of success," the district wrote.

Cordero received his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Kean University, his Master of Arts in Administration and Supervision from the University of Phoenix and his Bachelor of Arts in Education from New Jersey City University.

Cordero will take current director Jennifer McCann's position, who announced her acceptance of an assistant superintendent position at another school district in April.