Clarkstown Hires Administrator to Focus on Curriculum and Instruction

NEW CITY, NY — The Clarkstown Board of Education has hired an Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum Instruction, a newly created administrative position.

Susan Yom is tasked with providing stewardship of curriculum development and instruction and helping shape a new standard for academic excellence for all Clarkstown students, they said in a press release.

Yom is currently an administrator in the New Rochelle schools. Her appointment is effective Sept. 28, 2016 and she will receive a annual salary of $180,000.

“Ms. Yom brings the skills, knowledge and experience that we have been looking for to lead our curriculum work. We believe her engagement with our outstanding teaching staff and principals will be an effective collaboration that transforms the educational experience for our students,” said Superintendent of Schools Martin Cox in the announcement.

Cox recommended Yom to the Board following a lengthy interview process that began with a review of more than 100 resumes, district officials said. The recommendation followed a multi-step interview process that included stakeholder groups, the Board of Education and a performance-based interview.

Yom brings more than 20 years of varied educational experience to her new position, starting with her work as a classroom teacher. She is currently employed with the 12,000 student New Rochelle School District as a cabinet-level director of Research, Assessment and Accountability and the chief information officer. In this role, she is a leader in the areas of curriculum and instruction, assessments, APPR and state accountability. She implemented new models of instruction and strategic approaches to teaching reading and math, and developed models to help maximize resources to students in need of academic interventions. She also remains focused on creating effective professional development opportunities for teaching staff.

For seven years, Yom served as the assistant principal of New York’s Jefferson High School where she instituted instructional leadership practices on strengthening curriculum and instruction. Her work led to a 55 percent increase in ELA proficiency and significant improvements in graduation rates.

Yom has impressive education credentials receiving master’s degrees from both Harvard University, Graduate School of Education and Columbia University, Teachers College, where she is pursuing her doctorate, district officials said. She did her undergraduate work at Smith College in Northampton Mass. and is a graduate of Bronx High School of Science. She has Permanent New York State Principal Certification and Permanent New York State School District Administrator Certification for grades K-12.

“With the tremendous changes as a result of Common Core and ESSA legislations, we needed a strategic and experienced instructional leader. Given her work at the classroom, building and district-levels, she understands the educational environment and the needs of students, teachers and administrators with a proven record of driving positive change. I am excited to have her join our team and for the potential to take our district to even greater heights,” said Cox.

PHOTO/ CCSD