West Essex Appoints New Science Supervisor

Elizabeth Ricafort, a chemistry and forensic science teacher at West Essex High School, will be the new Teaching Instructional Supervisor of Science/Industrial Arts for the 2012-13 school year. Ricafort is a 1995 graduate of West Essex High School and is a resident of Denville.

Ricafort will succeed Science Supervisor Ryan Gupta, who is the new Director of Curriculum and Instruction and is currently serving as acting science supervisor until the end of the school year. Her appointment was approved by the West Essex Regional Board of Education Monday night.

She has worked as a science teacher at the high school for eight years and initiated the high school’s forensic science program in 2005. She previously taught science at Pequannock High School for five years before coming to West Essex. Her maiden name was Shaw.

Ricafort has a degree in chemistry from the University of Rhode Island and a master’s degree in education from Montclair State University. She is working towards a second master’s degree in administration from Caldwell College. She is also married to West Essex graduate Rob Ricafort. 

Ricafort said she is looking forward to her new position. “I am excited because for 13 years, I have influenced students in my classroom,” she said. “I hope I can influence every science classroom. I want to make sure they get everything they need for the 21st century.”

The new science supervisor said she would also like to “infuse more technology” in the curriculum and the classroom and commends the District for its technology initiatives.