Pioneer's new secondary curriculum specialist is a familiar face in these parts.
Jenna Fontaine (Pioneer Class of 2008) was a third grade teacher at Arcade Elementary School up until a few weeks ago. She then accepted the position of Coordinator of Curriculum and Professional Development for Cattaraugus-Allegany BOCES, and will be working out of the Curriculum Department at Pioneer.
Miss Fontaine takes over for Sarah Wittmeyer, who joined Holland Central's curriculum office.
"The interview process revealed the best candidate to be one of our own," said Dr. Michael Irizarry, Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Technology. "[She] decided to expand her knowledge and skills to the secondary level."
Dr. Irizarry said Miss Fontaine "is very excited to work with secondary teachers on a variety of projects, especially staff in the English departments. She will be working with department chairs on specific agendas for summer work and she will be working with me on designing and revising district plans, such as the Professional Learning Plan."
Miss Fontaine said she is thrilled to have accepted her new position while still having the opportunity to work in her home school district.
She said, "I attended Pioneer, and currently live in my hometown of Strykersville with my fiancé and our black lab, Gus. Upon graduating, I attended Genesee Community College in Arcade for some entry-level college courses prior to receiving my bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from SUNY Geneseo. After Geneseo, I attended The University of Rochester for my master’s degree in Teaching Students with Significant Disabilities.
"My teaching career started on the Eastern Shore of Maryland in Dorchester County, where I taught elementary special education for five years. During that time, I received a second master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. In 2018, I returned to Strykersville and taught for three-and-a-half years at Arcade Elementary School in both special education and in third grade general education."
Miss Fontaine added that she is currently working on her doctorate degree in Educational Leadership and Administration.
"There is nothing more exciting to me as a lifelong learner, and an educator than being able to continue working and giving back to the district that has made my passion and excitement for learning what it is today. I am looking forward to collaborating with teachers and others within the district to help all students succeed!"