West Hartford Superintendent of Schools Tom Moore announced Tuesday that Teresa Giolito will be the next principal for the town’s magnet elementary school.

Smith STEM School. Image from Twitter

By Ronni Newton

A former West Hartford elementary school teacher and curriculum specialist will be the next principal at West Hartford’s Smith STEM School, Superintendent Tom Moore announced Tuesday.

Teresa Giolito, who is currently an assistant principal at West Woods Upper Elementary School in Farmington, CT, will assume the leadership at Smith on July 6, Moore announced.

In a letter to Smith parents and faculty, Moore said that Giolito was identified through a leadership profile developed by the parent community as well as the staff, and she most closely met the criteria they desired.

Moore said that he makes the appointment with “great enthusiasm and optimism, as I know Ms. Giolito is eagerly anticipating her return home to West Hartford, and specifically to Smith. I am confident that she will serve the school and community well.”

Giolito is returning not only to West Hartford but also to Smith, where she taught fourth grade and Spanish from 2001-2010 before becoming curriculum specialist at Duffy Elementary School, a role she held until October 2012 when she became assistant principal at West Woods.

“Teachers admire her thoughtful, collaborative approach, specific feedback, and focus on excellence. Families appreciate her open communication, listening skills, visibility, and desire for parent input. She is described as positive, knowledgeable, approachable, responsive, patient, perceptive, and fair,” Moore wrote in his letter.

Juan Melian, Smith STEM’s currrent principal, will become principal of West Hartford’s other magnet elementary school, Charter Oak International Academy, on July 1. Moore made that announcement in April.

According to West Hartford Public Schools, Giolito has a B.S. (elementary education), and M.A. (reading and language arts) and a 6th year certificate in Educational Leadership, all from Central Connecticut State University.

“Her excitement about learning, respectful style, problem-solving skills, ability to empathize, strong work ethic and high expectations make her an excellent match for the engaged and supportive community of Smith STEM School. Ms. Giolito knows what our children need to be successful. She, in partnership with the faculty and parents, will ensure Smith STEM students continue to thrive in a caring environment with a continued focus on science, technology, engineering, and math,” Moore wrote.

Giolito will be available to meet the Smith STEM community on Friday, June 19, from 9 a.m.-noon.

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