For Long Beach School District’s Dr. Francine Newman, seeing and hearing from kids she’s taught over her 30 years as an educator is what makes it all worth while — which she will carry into her new role as the director of instructional support.
As part of her new position, Newman will play a crucial role in implementing high-quality academic programming across the district. In her previous role as vice principal for Long Beach High School, Newman was responsible for developing a master schedule — an outline for the time that teachers and students spend together to provide an optimal learning experience.
Newman also influenced the course catalog creation process, sectioning, staffing and coordination of teacher common planning, while also collaborating with district leaders to project annual staffing and budget needs.
With over 13 years of experience in the district, Newman explained that she has a familiarity with students and parents that will allow her to thrive in her new role.
“I think having an understanding of the district, the families, and the children we serve is an advantage for me,” she said.
The teaching world is not new for Newman:
She began her career in education as a social studies teacher at Ramapo High School in Spring Valley, NY.
She then went on to serve as an adjunct professor at LIU C.W. Post and Hofstra University, teaching both undergraduate and graduate students in subjects like cultural diversity, as well as general teaching and communication methods with students.
During her time as an assistant principal at Seaford High School, Newman jumpstarted the district’s bully prevention pilot program in response to the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA). She was also tasked with supervising all the staff in the building, including the direct supervision of the guidance, English and science departments.
Dr. Newman holds a doctorate in educational and policy leadership from Hofstra University, a professional diploma in administration and supervision from Fordham University, a master’s degree in multicultural education from Iona College and a bachelor’s degree in history from the University at Buffalo.
In a statement written by Long Beach Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jennifer Gallagher, she expressed confidence in Newman’s ability to strengthen the districts instructional systems and elevate the learning experience for teachers and students.
“Dr. Newman brings a deep commitment to excellence, a proven track record of empowering educators and a clear vision for advancing student learning,” she wrote. “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Newman as our new director of instructional support.”
Newman said she could not be more excited for the role, and is looking forward to collaborating with colleagues and understanding the needs of students and parents.
“Our strength here has always been our sense of community,” she said. “I love it here, I love this community. It’s unique, special, and we’ll work to grow with the community to meet new expectations.”
