At its regular public meeting on April 20, the Westfield Board of Education approved the appointment of Jacqueline Spring as Assistant Principal of Edison Intermediate School, effective July 1, 2023.
Spring currently serves as district coordinator of the Project ‘79 program, a college-preparatory alternative that combines strong academics with a humanistic approach to support students who are not achieving the success they would like at Westfield High School. Appointed coordinator in 2015, Spring oversees Project ‘79 recruitment and enrollment, coordinates effective communication, develops the master schedule for program courses, and leads daily teacher team meetings to plan programmatic goals and objectives.
Spring also has taught for the Project ‘79 program for the past 14 years, working collaboratively with teacher teams, developing classroom-focused social and emotional learning and academic rigor, planning program-wide events to encourage greater connections with students and families, and promoting student leadership. She joined the Westfield Public School District as a high school social studies teacher in 2007.
“I look forward to working with and learning from the staff, families, and students at Edison,” says Spring, adding that she has worked with many school stakeholders while at Westfield High School, including administrators, teachers, guidance counselors, families, and students. “I have learned a lot about the lived experience of students from Project '79 students and families who routinely remind me that we are always growing and evolving. I have supported a dedicated and committed team of teachers who make a difference in the lives of students each and every day. My experience has prepared me to navigate uncertainty and change, identify and isolate priorities, and approach hard realities in a way that is rational and honest.”
Spring holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and graduate certification in Social Studies from Rider University. She will complete a Master in Educational Administration from Kean University in May.
More than 140 applications were reviewed and 12 candidates selected for interviews. Edison principal Dr. Matthew Bolton says, through two rounds of interviews, Spring emerged as the clear choice.
“Mrs. Spring presented as someone who understands adolescent learners, is knowledgeable of sound instructional practices, and will build positive and meaningful relationships throughout the Edison school community,” says Bolton. “She brings a rich background of experiences working to find creative ways to inspire, support, and challenge students and colleagues.”
Spring will succeed LaNova Schall who was appointed as principal of McKinley Elementary School.