Maria Picone, Managing Director of Curriculum and Instruction: Interim K-4 Principal

Maria Picone is an accomplished school leader and advocate for children who passionately believes in the quote of the inspirational educator, Maria Montessori; “Within the child lies the fate of the future.”  She believes that educators have the ability to support the children with whom they work so that they grow up with the knowledge that they can change the world, and that this philosophical foundation must start in the early years. 

Having grown up in Paterson, Ms. Picone has a strong desire to return to the city and follow in the footsteps of the exemplary educators who supported her in her youth. That excitement has led her to a leadership position at Phillip’s Academy Charter School of Paterson.

Ms. Picone started her career as a classroom teacher in Bloomingdale, and during that time, received the school level Governor’s Teacher Recognition Award. After teaching for over 7 years, she moved into the role of school counselor/student assistance coordinator, she was recognized in 2006 by the NJ Bias Officers Association for efforts to “reduce bigotry and hate.”

Ms. Picone has spent the last twelve years as school administrator leading schools in Newark and Plainfield. Her cumulative experiences include serving as principal for Preschool through Grade 8, founding preschool programs for 3-and 4-year olds in two Newark charter schools, and extensive work in curriculum and instruction, social-emotional programming, special education, and developing systems that support teaching and learning through data-driven processes that support student growth and achievement. 

Ms. Picone has completed an Advanced Graduate Program in Educational Administration and has a Master’s Degree in Counseling, Human Services, and Guidance from Montclair State University, where she also completed a post-baccalaureate teacher certification program and an undergraduate degree in English. She has served as an advisory board member for NJ School Resource Officers Association (NJASRO) and held the position of Vice-President of Public Policy of NJAEYC (NJ Association for the Education of Young Children). She has also participated in presentations to educators at various conferences, such as facilitating a workshop at the Spring 2019 NJAEYC conference entitled, “Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their Impact: Supporting the Development of Trauma Sensitive Classrooms.” She is committed to supporting and building educational environments that advocate for social change and justice, and has organized and led staff professional development sessions that explore and promote the exploration of topics such as diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism.

Ms. Picone is also passionate about family and animals, and enjoys spending time with her grandson and other family members and volunteering at the Bergen County Horse Rescue.