The Germantown Central School District recently hired new Director of Pupil Personnel Services and Special Education, Anthony DiRusso. Please join us in giving him a warm welcome to GCS! Learn more about him and his work below.
Can you tell us about your professional experience?
I started out my career at Anderson Center for Autism as a Teacher’s Aide as well as a Substitute Teacher in the Hyde Park Central School District while working on my Associate degrees. After graduation from SUNY Oneonta, I worked for SUNY New Paltz as a Residence Hall Director for a few years before taking a teaching position. I was then hired in the Beacon City School District where I worked as a Special Education/Social Studies teacher. Most recently, prior to coming to Germantown, I worked as an Assistant Principal at Orange-Ulster BOCES. In addition to working at Germantown CSD as the new Director of Pupil Personnel Services & Special Education, I am also an Adjunct Professor of Special Education at SUNY New Paltz. I teach both undergraduate and graduate level courses in teaching methods, assessment and evaluation, and inclusive education.
What made you want to get involved in this field, and ultimately work in education?
I would have to say what got me involved was truly the impact that my teachers had on my life as a student growing up in Hyde Park. I was so inspired by the impact they had on my life that I decided to become a teacher, and now an administrator. I went into education in hopes of having a similar impact on my students’ lives. In Germantown, I will find every opportunity to make a positive impact on our faculty, staff, and students.
What made you want to work in the Germantown Central School District?
I was attracted to Germantown based on its mission statement and how it aligns with my administrative philosophy: to improve student achievement, graduate all students and promote student social and emotional wellness. I am very student-centered. In every decision I make, I will always consider what is best for our students.
Can you tell us a bit about your job responsibilities and priorities?
I oversee the Special Education 504 and ENL programs here at Germantown. I will serve as the chairperson of the Committee on Special Education and Committee on Preschool Special Education. My priorities will be to create more inclusive opportunities for our students. One of the district initiatives that I will be working on in collaboration with the Principals and faculty and staff is to implement an Integrated Co-Teaching program.
What’s your life like outside of school?
I live in Ulster County (Marlboro, NY) with my fiancée Rachel and our dog, Cooper!
Fun Fact! What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I am a huge theatre person. I love seeing Broadway shows. I have done a lot of community theatre at the Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck (I’ve haven’t done a show in a while but hope to get back into it in the future). I look forward to seeing future productions in Germantown!
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