RVRHS Names Tracy Matozzo as Director of Curriculum and Instruction

Mt. Holly, N.J. - Tracy Matozzo has joined the Rancocas Valley Regional High School District as director of curriculum and instruction. Matozzo’s appointment was unanimously approved by the RV Board of Education during its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 3. She has 25 years in education, serving the past five years as principal of Haddonfield Middle School and the five years prior to that as dean of students at Haddonfield Memorial High School.

Matozzo officially joins the district on July 1 to replace William Connolly, who retires effective August 1. Connolly dedicated 25 of his 34 years in education to RV, taking on the director of curriculum and instruction role in 2015.

Matozzo said she was drawn to the position at RV for many reasons, including the opportunity to focus on curriculum, which she calls “the playbook teachers use to inform the magic they create in their classrooms.” She says as RV moves past remote and hybrid learning, the timing is ideal to reflect on what worked over the past two years to inform further integration of digital materials. “Right now, we have time to breathe so we can evolve,” she says. “The district’s diversity, inclusion and equity work also has become increasingly strategic over the last year, providing additional direction for next steps.”

Matozzo is currently pursuing a doctorate in social justice/K-12 leadership through Rowan University. She expects the program will help her better serve a diverse regional school community like RV. “In this program, I am being given the tools to become a socially just leader,” she says. “This is a goal of mine, and I know it is a goal shared by Dr. Heilig, Principal Martin and the other RV administrators. I am excited to contribute what I learn as we work to ensure all RV students are supported and have equal opportunities.”

“Tracy was the ideal candidate for this position; she not only values our vision for achieving excellence through equity at RV, but she has already committed to deepening her understanding of how to lead a district toward this vision,” said RVRHS Superintendent Chris Heilig, Ed.D. “We could not be more optimistic about our future with her part of our administrative team.”

RV embarked on a year-long Equity Quality Review over the 2020-2021 academic year, followed by the development and launch of the Equity Strategic Plan this academic year. Several of the steps detailed in the plan involve reviewing curriculum through an equity lens and prioritizing student achievement across all subgroups.

Matozzo looks forward to working with RV’s five instructional supervisors, who she refers to as the “content experts” on curriculum planning, coordination and evaluation. She also will analyze district data and educational research to lead improvements in curriculum and instruction, as well as new initiatives to meet student achievement goals. Additional responsibilities of her new role include overseeing staff professional development.

As a middle school principal, Matozzo has served on multiple committees specific to the design and implementation of curricular changes. At Haddonfield Middle School, she helped develop a multifaceted STEAM program. She also worked on a digital music program in concert with staff to broaden the scope and sequence of the school’s art offerings.

“One goal of mine from a curriculum standpoint is to put new opportunities in the pathway of students,” says Matozzo. “Through exposure, they may discover new areas that interest them and develop new skills. My job is to ensure each student has access to these opportunities. I also aim to help each student understand how the knowledge and competencies acquired through each new learning experience filter into an overall college and career readiness.”

Matozzo earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and English and a master’s degree in leadership management and policy from Seton Hall University. She resides in Deptford, N.J. with her son, Danny, who is also pursuing a career in education, and her partner, Andy.