Greenwich Public Schools Names New Science Program Coordinator

GREENWICH, CT — A new K-8 science program coordinator has been appointed by Greenwich Public Schools, the district recently announced.

According to a news release provided by the district, Superintendent Toni Jones announced Friday that Jeff Beckley Jr. will begin the new position April 13.

Beckley will replace Tara Fogel, who was recently named the district's assistant chief officer of curriculum and leadership, according to Greenwich Public Schools.

According to the release, Beckley will serve as the K-8 science and library media program leader, liaison between the district and Board of Education and collaborator with K-8 teachers, designing, evaluating and revising program curricula and ensuring alignment with state standards.

He will provide ongoing professional learning aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards and analyze K-8 science assessment and instructional data to maintain the district's high standards as leaders in the state of Connecticut, according to the district.

"Greenwich Public Schools continues to attract the best educators our region has to offer," Jones said in a news release. "With almost two decades of K-8 public school experience in Connecticut, Dr. Beckley's knowledge of the Next Generation Science Standards and his passion for scientific inquiry, technology and high-level mathematics will make him a tremendous asset to the Greenwich community."

Beckley has been employed by Norwalk Public Schools since 2008, and since 2021 was an instructional coach at Jefferson Marine Science Elementary School and then at Concord Magnet School K-8, where he was responsible for ensuring classroom teachers implemented district-approved curriculum, according to the release.

As an elementary teacher at Jefferson, Kendall and Brookside elementary schools, he taught classes in grades 2-5 for more than a dozen years, according to the district.

For nine years as a fifth grade teacher, Beckley taught all core areas, including NGSS, according to the district.

"I was drawn to Greenwich Public Schools by its strong investment in students, its tradition of excellence and the supportive parent community that helps schools thrive," Beckley said in a news release. "I am passionate about partnering with educators, families and students to inspire a deep love of science. I am committed to empowering them to ask questions, innovate and confidently meet the challenges ahead."

According to Greenwich Public Schools, Beckley received the 2020 Norwalk Public Schools' Excellence in Education award for school culture and the 2011 Brookside Elementary School Teacher of the Year.

He is also a two-time Fellow of the Funds for Teachers grant in marine science, a self-directed professional development program, according to the district.

In 2024, he received a substantial grant to fund the Building Thinking Classrooms project at Jefferson Marine Science Elementary School, according to the district.

Beckley holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Central Florida with a minor in business, as well as a master's degree in elementary education and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Bridgeport, according to the release.