Looking Forward Amanda Zullo
The pandemic has impacted classroom instruction. Challenges exist for families that were never an issue, thereby impacting their children and adding more stress to educators. The platitudes are accurate. There are numerous crises on many different levels and in leadership, especially for novices. Amanda Zullo is the principal of J. William Leary Junior High School. She was previously in the classroom for 11 years teaching middle school science and chemistry. From her experience as an Associate at the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and on the NGSS Implementation team, she now actively supports policy and implementation efforts related to New York State’s P-12 Science Learning Standards and Computer Science and Digital Fluency standards. Amanda has been honored with numerous grants along with the 2020 Clarkson Woodstock Award, the 2018 Mayfield Wall of Dedication, the 2016 Empire State Excellence in Teaching Award, and the 2016 ASCD Emerging Leader recognition.
These were new situations for everyone; circumstances that no administrator, principal, or teacher had previously experienced. But when all is considered, this pandemic simultaneously presents challenges and opportunities. Addressing the impact required a strong focus on sustaining the mental health of all individuals in the school because everyone experienced various levels of trauma. The work included both stabilizing/surviving during the pandemic and then rebuilding the internal school community to support everyone. The path to start was evident; the administration had to get to know the needs and strengths of the educators and the community. Only after developing that knowledge could the processes start. People My path forward was clear; it was critical to develop relationships with the faculty and staff. Fullan (2020) states, “It is actually the relationships that make the difference” (p. 63). My first words on my first day to the faculty and staff were 32
