Goodwin University and LEARN, a Regional Educational Service Center based in Old Lyme, Connecticut, have announced the appointment of Sheri Tanner as Director of Middle Level Programming at the Connecticut River Academy (CTRA) on the University campus, effective August 30, 2021.
Tanner brings with her more than 25 years of experience in educational curricula that encompasses pre-kindergarten to college-level learning. Her previous experience includes positions as principal of Kelly STEAM Magnet Middle School (Norwich), principal of Annie Fisher STEM Magnet School (Hartford), adjunct professor at the University of Hartford, and acting principal of Betonces Early Reading Lab Magnet School (Hartford). She is recognized for her strong record of improving student learning outcomes, cultivating effective teams, and building and sustaining magnet school programs.
Her educational background includes the LEAD CT Turnaround Principal Program (Connecticut Center for School Change); Sixth Year in Educational Leadership (Central Connecticut State University); Advanced Alternative Program for Certification of Teachers to become Library Media Specialists (Connecticut State Department of Education); Master of Arts in Elementary Education/Reading (University of Saint Joseph); Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education/Psychology (Skidmore College).
“Sheri brings a tremendous amount of valuable magnet school experience to this position,” said Dr. Salvatore Menzo, Superintendent of Magnet Schools at Goodwin University. “Her combination of understanding the social and emotional needs for students, coupled with high academic standards, make her an exceptional selection to lead the development of this program.”
“LEARN is excited to have Sheri join our leadership team,” added Kate Ericson, Executive Director of LEARN. “The students and families will benefit from her vast experience in building highly successful magnet schools.”
The Middle Level Program (grades six through eight) bridges the academic and social-emotional success for scholars as they progress from Riverside Magnet School (pre-kindergarten to grade five) to CTRA (grades nine to 12). Through its technology and creative design themes, the program celebrates students’ unique way of looking at the world. Its instructors are dedicated to helping students recognize their potential, strive for success through opportunities and outcomes, and ultimately become their best selves.
“I am honored to have been selected to lead the important work at the CTRA Middle Level Program,” Tanner offered. “I am a very strong believer in the power of magnet schools to provide students with boundless opportunities to innovate and achieve. I look forward to getting right to work and having a fabulous school year!”
To learn more about the magnet schools at Goodwin University, visit www.goodwin.edu/magnet-schools.
Information about LEARN can be found at www.learn.k12.ct.us.
Goodwin University is a nonprofit institution of higher education and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Goodwin University was founded in 1999, with the goal of serving a diverse student population with career-focused degree programs that lead to strong employment outcomes.