Schools
Westfield's Dolan Named Union County Superintendent of the Year
The county has honored Dr. Margaret Dolan of Westfield with the distinction.
The Union County Superintendent's Roundtable announced on Wednesday Westfield Public Schools Chief Dr. Margaret Dolan as the Superintendent of the Year.
Dolan has been serving as superintendent in Westfield since 2007 after previously holding the roles, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Program, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Principal of Franklin School.
“I am honored to receive this distinction from my colleagues in Union County,” Dolan told Patch. “I am especially grateful for the supportive Westfield community, hard-working board, dedicated teachers and staff, and the best students – all of whom are a source of motivation for me every day in this district.”
During her time as Superintendent, Dolan has strongly supported technology and launched several initiatives including a new wireless network, faster internet and new devices for students. She also pushed for the addition of ‘Master Technology’ teachers in the district, one of which was named a "20 to Watch" Leader in Advancing Education Technology by the National School Boards Association.
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Dolan also placed a strong focus on the incorporation of 21st century skills in order to strengthen student engagement, global connections and multiple perspectives according to a release.
Part of this new initiative included a new course in Robotics, as well as the addition of Mandarin Chinese, which Dolan had advocated for several years.
In addition to these accomplishments, Dolan promotes fiscal responsibility, continues communication with stakeholders, recognizes student achievement and advocates and implements practices for safety in the district, the county stated.
“The Westfield Superintendent takes the hiring and cultivating of district staff very seriously. Once teachers are hired, they attend a two-year New Teacher Institute, a unique program in which a team of teachers with 1 to 8 years of experience in the classroom provide regularly scheduled group support for their newer colleagues,” the release from Union County explained. “The program has been cited by the County for its innovation and was also featured in School Leader magazine, published by the New Jersey School Boards Association.”
For more on Dr. Dolan’s achievement, visit the Westfield Public School District’s website.
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