Irvington School District Appoints Director Of Special Projects

IRVINGTON, NY — The Irvington School Board of Education has appointed Heather Shaughnessy as director of special projects.

Dr. Gail Duffy, assistant superintendent for instruction and human resources, said they were excited to have Shaughnessy join the team in her new role.

“She will use her extensive background and expertise in the areas of special education and facilitating professional development to provide support and leadership to enhance the district’s 504 process, expand the use of data across the district to support student learning and provide administrative support at Main Street School,” she said. “She is extremely well-equipped to continue to advance the experiences our district affords its students.”

Shaughnessy most recently served as a learning specialist at Fox Lane Middle School in Bedford, where she collaborated with teachers on implementing instructional plans and designed technology-infused lessons. She also served as director of the Bedford Staff Development Center at the Bedford Central School District and New York State Teacher Center, where she facilitated professional learning opportunities for staff, oversaw management of operations and maintained communication between the district, teachers and facilitators. Prior to that, she worked as a special education teacher at the Greenburgh-Graham Union Free School District in Hastings-on-Hudson and P.S. 58 in the Bronx.

Shaughnessy said she ishonored to join the Irvington school district and Main Street School communities.”

“I look forward to collaborating with students, families and staff to foster continual student growth and success,” she said.

Shaughnessy holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the State University of New York at Albany, a master’s in childhood and special education from Hunter College, a master’s in educational leadership: administration supervision from Hunter College, as well as a TESOL certificate endorsement from Canisius College.

She also earned several professional certifications, including school building leader and school district leader. Shaughnessy was appointed during a special board of education meeting on July 5 and stepped into her new role on July 11.