TAUNTON — Amanda Emard describes her leadership style as servant leadership, where the needs and well-being of employees come first.
“I want to be everyone’s coach. What do I need to do to get them where they need to be? What do they need from me?” she said.
Emard, 39, has about 17 years of experience working in Taunton public schools and says that approach will serve her well in her new position as principal of Edmund Hatch Bennett Elementary School.
In her welcoming letter to the school community, Emard said, “My leadership vision for Bennett School is firmly grounded in collaboration, innovation and a student-centered approach to education. I am committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where every child feels valued and motivated to reach their maximum potential.”
Who was Bennett’s previous principal?
Emard replaces former Bennett principal Michael Kelleher, who resigned to return to teaching at Taunton High School.
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Who is Bennett’s new principal Amanda Emard?
Emard was born and currently lives in Swansea and said that in high school she was “always passionate about helping other students.”
This ultimately led her to want to focus on helping people with special needs.
“I just wanted a place where I could help,” she said.
Emard holds a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders from Worcester State University, a master’s degree in moderate disabilities from American International College, and a second master’s degree in educational leadership from Bridgewater State University.
Her first job out of college was as a speech therapist with the READS Collaborative at the former Caleb Barnum School in Taunton in 2007. She transitioned to special education at Barnum in 2009 and eventually moved to Edward Leddy Preschool when Barnum School closed.
In 2021, she became assistant principal of East Taunton Elementary School.
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At East Taunton Elementary, Emard implemented a “positive behavior incentive system” – essentially a form of positive reinforcement. Students were given “behavioral expectations” that they had to conform to at school, whether in the classroom, in the hallways, at lunch, or during recess.
Emard said, “When we see students exhibiting the expected behavior,” they receive tickets that they can exchange for rewards at the school store.
Emard said her time and experience as a special education teacher has helped her greatly in supporting teachers as an assistant principal.
“I can now support teachers from a different perspective,” she said, when it comes to helping them implement new curricula and develop strategies for teaching children with special needs or behavioral problems.
“I didn’t send them out alone. I was with them,” Emard said.
Welcome to Bennett
Emard said it is the relationships she has built over the years in the school district that keep her at Taunton Public Schools.
“Taunton is my second home. When I walk into a school building, it’s my home,” she said.
Emard is still in the process of “figuring out the culture here at Bennett Elementary” through summer meetings with staff, teachers and district administration before the 2024-2025 school year begins.
Regardless, she said she has felt very welcome at Bennett since arriving and is excited about the future.
John Cabral, superintendent of Taunton Schools, said in a written statement, “Her experience, commitment to student success and fresh approach to education make her an excellent addition to our school community. We are confident that Emard will continue to raise the school’s standards and create a supportive environment for all students.”
