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Date: 6/22/2018
AGAWAM – Mary A. Dryden Veterans Memorial School Principal Sheila Hoffman, who was previously a former assistant principal at Agawam High School, is returning to Agawam as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Human Resources.
Hoffman grew up in Agawam and graduated from the high school in 1992 as a valedictorian for her class. She went on to pursue biology at the College of the Holy Cross, and later received a master’s degree in Education with a focus in Curriculum and Instructional Technology at Framingham State University.
The Agawam native started her first job in education as a science teacher in Springfield. After working in Chicopee Public Schools for a few years, she moved on to become the assistant principal at Agawam High School.
Hoffman, who is currently working as the principal for the Mary A. Dryden Veterans Memorial School in Springfield, was unanimously approved by the Agawam School Committee to be the new superintendent of public schools. She will start her new position on July 1.
Reminder Publications caught up with Hoffman to see how she is preparing for the new job.
The following is a edited interview.
Reminder Publications: Although you pursued biology in school, did you always know you would switch to education?
Sheila Hoffman: No, that was not a goal of mine until after college. I was working with school-age children and families – that was the turning point for me. After college, I did research study in Boston that worked with families. Part of my job was teaching them about the science of the eye, and I felt like that’s really what I liked about that job. That’s when I decided to turn to education.
Reminder Publications: Why did you decide to apply for the Assistant Superintendent position?
Sheila Hoffman: Curriculum has always been what I really loved to do, but also due to fact that Mr. [Steven] Lemanski is the superintendent and I’ve already worked for him. Our philosophies are similar and aligned, and our working relationship complements each of our styles and our strengths.
Reminder Publications: What will your responsibilities be in your new role?
Sheila Hoffman: I will be directing programs for curriculum and instruction of the school district in coordination with administrators, organizing the professional development for teachers, ensuring that personnel needs are met, and supporting the superintendent in district initiatives.
Reminder Publications: How are you preparing for the role?
Sheila Hoffman: I’ve already been working with people and attended some meetings and committees to help me great ready. I’ve also sat down with the current assistant superintendent, who has been really helpful in giving me the run down for what she does and what my role will be. I’ve been in contact with Mr. Lemanski, and people are forwarding me information that I might need to help me start. So, we’ve already begun the transition.
Reminder Publications: Do you think your previous work in education has helped prepare you for this transition?
Sheila Hoffman: I will say that I really wanted to be a building administrator before any kind of central office work. I think it really helps you know the reality of things and how, if you’re taking on some new things, what is realistic. There are a lot of things on administrators’ plates – planned and not planned – so it has given me a unique perspective on the work I will now do with the administrators.
Reminder Publications: What are you looking forward to most about working as new assistant superintendent, and what do you plan to tackle during your first weeks?
Sheila Hoffman: I’m really excited to go back to Agawam. I’m from there. I know a lot of families and a lot of workers, so it feels like going home. I’m looking forward to reconnecting with former colleagues but also meeting new ones.
I really want to be visible in the schools and get to know the work that’s being done at the ground level. I think that’s really important before you do other things. One of my first goals is to get out into the buildings, see what’s going on, meet all of the educators and see and observe all of the good work that’s being done so we can move forward. I’m also just really excited to work for the superintendent – I will miss my school, my staff and the students here, though.
Reminder Publications: For you, what is the most rewarding part of working in education?
Sheila Hoffman: Definitely seeing the success of the students – big and small. I’ve had the opportunity to work at the elementary school for the last four years, and seeing the progress being made when sometimes there’s been some obstacles. Seeing the kids happy to be learning and enthusiastic about it, and seeing the teachers being really engaged and how they deliver instruction to the students is just so rewarding. At the high school level, too, you see it and see the growth. They start as freshman and then four years later they’re walking across the stage. It’s just nice to see the growth in students of all ages.