By Sarah Opdahl

In early February, Ms. Kristine Woleck will join New Fairfield’s school community as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. She says that the position is, “a wonderful opportunity to bring together my experiences and my commitment to teaching and learning at a broader, systemic level.” A marriage of two administrative roles, the job will combine top leadership responsibilities with a keen focus on instruction and learning.

Woleck, who served as Principal at East Elementary in New Canaan for the past ten years, explained that the position brings her interests full circle, having “spent many years prior to that serving in roles of curriculum development and instructional coaching.” Her years working closely on curriculum “was grounded in understanding how students learn and how we can create conditions to deepen that learning in the classroom.” Her ensuing years as a principal gave her a depth of understanding for all aspects of the topic and “allowed me to grow an understanding of the opportunities and challenges as we all work in schools to foster student learning.”

Having completed a lengthy and rigorous interview process, Woleck is thrilled to move forward. “I am excited to be alongside teachers to support that important work across the district.” Meeting a host of teachers, administrators, parents, Board of Education members, and students in New Fairfield impressed her, “the sense of community in the district is extraordinary,” she exclaimed.

In her new role, Woleck particularly looks forward to fostering curriculum and instruction across all grades. She said, “ensuring that there are connections in that learning and opportunities for students to build on and deepen their un derstanding, knowledge, and skills as they move across the years can be powerful both for students and the staff that are working tirelessly to support that growth.” She pointed out, “Curriculum is more than a program or set of resources. It articulates what we want students to understand, know, and be able to do. Most importantly, it provides a framework to ensure that there is depth, meaning, and purpose for students in their learning.” She went on to say, “Building consistency in the way we approach curriculum development in the district and ens uring that teachers have opportunities for meaningful professional learning and collaboration can support teaching and foster learning for students.”

Eager to be in the schools to “look and listen as students engage in their classes,” Woleck also looks forward to meeting with teachers to hear about the strengths of their programs, where they see needs, and to collaborate as they explore new possibilities together. She is enthused about the “good work underway” and to partner with the team.

Woleck resides in Bethel with her husband and two children—a daughter who is in college and a son who is in high school.