Throughout more than two decades of working in schools, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Elizabeth Giangreco has kept one goal in mind: Bringing people together to improve outcomes for students.
That goal led her to her most recent accomplishment, as she finished a doctorate at the University at Buffalo, with her dissertation and research focusing on Instructional Leadership and the Impact on Equitable Student Outcomes. Rooted in Betsy’s lived experiences as an educator and leader her passion in education is grounded in improving and advancing outcomes for all students.
“All means all,” Dr. Giangreco said. “It’s making sure that all students get what they need to be successful learners, successful citizens, successful and feeling good about themselves. It's not just about student achievement, it's about the whole child, the whole person and how they see themselves in society and not just in a school.”
Dr. Giangreco said one inspiration for her work supporting the needs of students came from her childhood, as she said there were times she struggled academically.
“My needs weren't always met,” she said. “I never want any of our children, our students, to feel that way.”
Dr. Giangreco has been a member of the leadership of Lackawanna since September, having previously served schools across the region in roles including teacher aide, literacy coach, principal and ELA director. Since arriving in the district, she said her main work has been working across the district to build collaborative teams.
Looking forward, Dr. Giangreco said she was excited to work with staff across the district to help improve student outcomes and use data to measure that work.
“Whether it be academic attendance or whatever data we're measuring, just to see the positive change will bring such positivity to the work that we're doing,” she said.
Congratulations to Dr. Giangreco for earning her doctoral degree!