July 9, 2021
EPS Makes Three Key Additions to its Leadership Team
District welcomes new EL, Equity, and Community Engagement directors
The Everett Public Schools (EPS) is honored to officially announce the appointment of three talented and dedicated individuals to separate leadership positions that are essential to the district’s instruction, outreach, and equity initiatives and mission.
Kelly-Ann Cooney, who has more than 20 years of demonstrated experience in teacher development and boosting student outcomes, has been named Director of English Learners (EL). Cory McCarthy, a veteran educator, leader, and mentor who spent 2020-21 as Everett High School’s Vice Principal, is transitioning to the newly-created role of Chief Equity Officer. And Jeanette Velez is joining the district from the Chelsea/Revere Family Network and will serve in the position of Community Engagement Manager, a role designed to form strong and sustained relationships among students, parents, families, public agencies, and community-based organizations.
“These are tremendous additions to our district,” said Superintendent of Schools Priya Tahiliani. “Their passion, professionalism, and advocacy will be an asset on every level, from teaching and learning to family engagement. These educators and leaders will be essential not only to our immediate preparations for the upcoming school year but also to meeting our long-term goals and objectives.”
Learn More About These Professionals and Their Roles:
Kelly-Ann Cooney
KELLY-ANN COONEY
Director of English Language Learners
As the EPS EL Director, Kelly-Ann Cooney will oversee the successful operation of all of the district’s English Learning education from grades Pre-K through 12. She comes to Everett after serving in the same capacity for the Nantucket, Southbridge, and Fall River public school districts from 2012 through the end of this past school year.
“Kelly-Ann’s wide range of experience and A to Z knowledge of EL teaching and learning makes her an ideal fit for the Everett Public Schools,” said Superintendent Tahiliani. “She is ideally suited to help our teachers and administrators on all levels, from classroom instruction to district-wide program enhancements.”
Cooney’s career spans two decades. Well equipped with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and French from the University of Rhode Island and a Masters of Arts in Roman Languages from the University of Oregon, she taught English as a foreign language in France, Oregon, and Japan.
After earning a Masters in Education from Boston College in 1998, Cooney’s career in public education began in Lincoln, Mass. From 2003-2012 where she taught ESL in the Boston Public Schools and served as a mentor, curriculum developer, and team leader. She served as an adjunct professor at Boston University from 2016-2018, teaching graduate courses in bilingualism and Structured English Immersion for administrators.
Cooney moved into full-time administration in 2012, leading Fall River’s Title 3 EL program, encompassing more than 1,000 students. She served the same position in Southbridge and Nantucket, fulfilling all of the duties and responsibilities the EPS was seeking in its new director.
“Kelly-Ann’s background is substantial, and that is evident from even a quick review of her work experience,” Superintendent Tahiliani said. “More important is her philosophy and approach to EL teaching and learning, as well as her commitment to professional development, accountability, and transparency.”
Cory McCarthy
CORY McCARTHY
Chief Equity Officer
After joining the EPS from the Boston Public Schools in the summer of 2020, Cory McCarthy is moving from Vice Principal of EHS to the role of Chief Equity Officer, in which he will develop and implement short- and long-range equity goals.
“Cory made a major impression on Everett High School and our students as Vice Principal, and we are anxious for him to drive positive changes across all schools and grade levels,” said Superintendent Tahiliani. “He is a dynamic and energetic leader poised to take on these critical challenges.”
As Chief Equity Officer, McCarthy will lead the district’s efforts to sustain a culture of equity and inclusion for all students by narrowing the gaps between the highest and lowest performing students and by eliminating the racial disproportionality between student groups that occupy the highest and lowest achievement categories. He will plan, organize, and direct initiatives related to diversity, equity and outreach.
During the past year, McCarthy took on numerous roles as an instructional leader and an advocate for students. Under his direction, EHS implemented several programs, from a test-prep partnership with LIVIUS to college and career events to a full array of engaging and educational Zoom sessions, presentations, discussions, and special events.
Prior to joining EHS, McCarthy was a part of the New Mission High School leadership team in Boston, helping the school earn an EdVestors’ $100k School on the Move Prize, the National Blue Ribbon School for Improvement designation, and the Title One Distinguished School Award.
“Cory’s tirelessness and creativity will be invaluable to our efforts to develop a strategic and systemic framework for inclusivity, professional growth among staff, and positive student outcomes across all grade levels,” said Superintendent Tahiliani.
Jeanette Velez
JEANETTE VELEZ
Community Engagement Manager
Jeanette Velez is the district’s first-ever Community Engagement Manager, after building her career as community leader, advocate, and a professional in the field of early-childhood education.
She will be charged with leading EPS efforts to form and expand on relationships that connect our students and families to the Everett community at large by facilitating two-way communication and creating a strong bridge between the voices of the community and the school district’s many teachers, staff members, and leaders.
“Jeanette will work with our established team of Family Liaisons to greatly expand and enhance our community outreach,” said Superintendent Tahiliani. “Her experience is a perfect fit for the Everett Public Schools, and I am excited for our families to meet and work with her in the very near future.”
Velez comes to the EPS with 20 years experience in early-childhood education. Since 2013, she served as a coordinator for the Chelsea/Revere Family Network, a community-based information and resource hub for all families in the community in order to increase knowledge of and accessibility to high-quality early education, care programs and services. In addition, Velez is currently serving her fifth term on the Chelsea School Committee. Over the years, she has been an active member of her community, serving on the boards of Chelsea Pop Warner, Chelsea Little League, Chelsea Youth Basketball, and the school councils at the Kelley Elementary and Clark Avenue Middle schools.
“Both in her role as School Committee Chair and Family Network Coordinator, Jeanette has successfully and artfully connected multiple groups of stakeholders to work through issues and strategically plan supports for students and families,” said Superintendent Tahiliani.
IMPORTANT UPDATES FOR EPS TEACHERS AND STAFF
Professional Opportunities
A quick reminder to EPS teachers and staff that the district's professional opportunities are posted on TalentEd. EPS teachers, administrators, and staff are encouraged to apply for the professional opportunities within our district. Complete job descriptions, as well the application process, can be accessed HERE.
August Acceleration Academy
The EPS is seeking staff to plan and deliver intensive Math or Literacy academic instruction to small groups of students during the week of August 23-27. Student grade-levels will be determined by the grant description and parameters. The team will work with principals and vice principals to execute Acceleration Academy goals set by EPS academic and professional learning leaders. Complete details and application information are included above, under "Opportunities for EPS Educators."
Pre-K Curriculum Team
The EPS is seeking Pre-School 3 + 4 Teachers will work with the Pre-School Leaders to develop vertically aligned, standards-based, uniform, and culturally relevant curriculum expectations and pacing for Everett’s Pre-School programming using “Learning Without Tears” and Lively Letters materials. The Teacher team will develop an implementation plan for “Learning Without Tears” for the inaugural year. The plan will include meeting regularly to develop guides for teachers, update school leaders on relevant data and experiences with the new curriculum, and communicate with vendors regarding necessary professional development.
From Our Curriculum Team
Our curriculum and instruction team has two updates to share. One, we are seeking a five-person Screening Team composed of math and literacy interventionists and elementary teachers to administer screening assessments for incoming Kindergarten and Grade 1 students.
Two, we are thrilled to announce the creation of the Everett Educator Professional Development Scholarship, which will fund the creativity, growth mindset and exploration of teachers who seek a dynamic training experience that will impact his/her instruction and student outcomes. Complete details about the PD scholarship and the Screening Team positions are included above, under "Opportunities for EPS Educators." (NOTE: The deadlines have been changed to
LearnLaunch Workshops
Finally, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has teamed up with LearnLaunch on a workshop series designed to guide educators through a strategic understanding of trauma, staff-student relationships, and strong, sustainable partnerships with families. EPS educators are encouraged to participate. The sign-up process is quick and easy. Click HERE for details.