Eastern MS Teacher Named Asst. Principal

Eastern Middle School social studies teacher Joanna Von Hollen has been named the school's assistant principal.

Von Hollen has been a social studies teacher with the Greenwich Public Schools for seven years.

Interim Schools Superintendent Roger Lulow, who made the appointment, said, “Ms. Von Hollen impressed us, not only with her content knowledge, but also with her in-depth understanding and articulation of data, instructional best practices, and vision for the students and the school." In his statement, Lulow added, "Her experience with the Eastern community and working with EMS Principal Ralph Mayo as an administrator intern, will help to ensure a smooth leadership transition.”

Von Hollen began teaching in 2005 with the Greenwich Public Schools at Central Middle School as a social studies teacher. In 2006, she transferred to Eastern Middle School where she has spent the last six years. She completed a two-year administrator internship with EMS Principal Ralph Mayo in May 2012.

Mayo said, "The breadth and depth of Ms. Von Hollen's knowledge, her ability to articulate that knowledge and her interpersonal communication skills are all exemplary. In every setting, I am invariably impressed with the high level of skill she possesses, and the high quality of her interactions with her colleagues, her students and their parents."

Since her arrival at Eastern Middle School, Von Hollen has had an  impact on the climate and quality of instruction in the school, school officials said. She has been involved in the expansion of the school’s
supplemental programs, the instructional data teams, and helped
with facilitation of professional learning for staff.

Von Hollen received a bachelor's degree in social science and public and community service studies from Providence College, a master's in secondary education from Sacred Heart University and completed her 6th Year Degree in Educational Leadership at the University of Connecticut.

The appointment is effective July 1.