Brittany DerCola
Utica,NY
Summary
Dynamic educational leader with a proven track record at Camden Central School District, excelling in instructional leadership and curriculum alignment. Spearheaded initiatives that enhanced student engagement and academic success, while fostering a positive school culture. Adept at strategic planning and community engagement, driving impactful educational programs that support diverse learners.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Camden Middle School Principal
Camden Central School District
07.2018 - Current
- New York State and National Schools to Watch designated school since June 2024.
- Establish a safe, effective learning environment for 650 students in grades five through eight.
- Foster student engagement and academic success through targeted initiatives.
- Focus on staff morale and building-wide culture through the “Happy Teachers, Happy Kids” philosophy.
- Lead teams in creating building-level strategic plans focused on academic performance and school culture.
- Facilitate data analysis days for ELA, math, and science teachers to enhance curriculum and instruction.
- Support the review and implementation of the Amplify curriculum to strengthen K-5 alignment with the science of reading.
- Implement the BIMAS SEL screener for grades K-10 to assess social-emotional learning needs.
- Collaborate with the Director of Special Education, Assistant Director of Special Education, and building principals to ensure consistency in programs, policies, and procedures across the district.
Supervisor of Special Education
Herkimer - Fulton - Hamilton - Otsego County BOCES
08.2013 - 06.2018
- Supervised three Coordinators of Special Education overseeing BOCES programs located in component school districts
- Provided supervision and instructional leadership to all special education programs, including 8:1:1 behavior adjustment classes, 8:1:1 autism classes, 12:1:1 academic classes and 12:1:3:1 multiply disabled classes.
- Monitored special education teachers and related service providers, utilizing Cleartrack platform to ensure compliance with individualized education plans and accurate documentation of progress and Medicaid services.
- Completed evaluations adhering to the approved APPR plan utilizing the NYSUT Teacher Practice Rubric and the Frontline platform of My Learning Plan.
- Managed student demographic data, ran reports, and created student schedules using Schooltools data management platform to ensure accurate and timely information for program planning.
- Planned for administration of STAR assessments, NYS Alternate Assessment and Grades 3-8 ELA and Math Assessments, including scheduling of students that receive test modifications
- Led monthly faculty meetings and team meetings focused on implementing data-driven instruction (DDI) strategies utilizing STAR assessment data and NYS assessment data
Principal
VP-TECH Early College High School
02.2014 - 06.2018
- Collaborated with grant writers and steering committee to establish a vision for the program, aligning with educational goals
- Developed a Six Year Scope and Sequence; vetted via State Education approval process, updated and reapproved yearly
- Guided districts and students through the application and selection process for VP-TECH
- Trained and supervised teachers in developing intra-curricular projects that enhanced student learning experiences
- Created 21st century/future learning environments that encourage student collaboration and use of technology
- Developed a 1:1 device program utilizing google classrooms to enhance technology integration
- Planned events to highlight program achievements and celebrate student participation, fostering community engagement
- Collaborated with local business and industry professionals to receive support, mentors and project ideas to be integrated into the learning experiences
Elementary and Middle School Resource Room Teacher
Holland Patent Central School District
09.2008 - 07.2013
- Managed caseload of 15-20 students in resource room and consultant teacher services, ensuring tailored support for individual learning needs
- Co-taught in ELA, math and science classes at the 3rd-8thh grade levels with a majority of time spent at the 4th and 5th and 6th and 8t grade levels
- Developed lesson plans and supported general education colleagues in creating differentiated lessons and activities, promoting inclusive learning environments for diverse student needs
Evaluator
The National Forum Schools to Watch
09.2025 - Current
- Led school evaluation teams in New York State to review Schools to Watch applications and determine eligibility for designation.
- Evaluated school programs for alignment with national educational standards.
- Conducted site visits to assess school environments and practices.
- Collaborated with educators to gather feedback on program implementation.
Member and Presenter
Established Leadership, LLC
08.2025 - Current
- Served as panelist at the 2025 conference and presented keynote at the 2026 conference.
- Delivered engaging presentations on leadership principles and strategies.
- Facilitated interactive workshops to enhance participant learning experiences.
- Collaborated with teams to develop compelling presentation materials.
North Country Conference Presenter
New York State Middle School Association
07.2024 - 07.2025
- Developed engaging presentations for educational conferences across New York State.
- Delivered presentations on the Schools to Watch Process, Camden Middle Schools MTSS Process, and "Happy Teachers, Happy Kids" to enhance staff morale and culture.
- Facilitated interactive workshops that promoted best teaching practices among peers.
- Collaborated with educators to address middle school challenges and solutions.
Grant Writer
Holland Patent CSD
07.2013 - 12.2018
- Secured $5,000 Dollar General Literacy Grant in May 2013 and $20,000 in December 2018 to support literacy programs.
- Acquired school improvement grant in May 2012 to enhance educational resources and support student learning.
- Strengthened teacher and leader effectiveness, receiving $188,000 in funding.
Project Based Learning Trainer
HFHO BOCES
04.2015 - 06.2018
- Delivered professional development courses for teachers to effectively implement Project Based Learning strategies
- Completed training through Buck Institute to enhance skills in Project Based Learning methodologies
- Facilitated workshops to enhance educators' teaching strategies and techniques.
- Collaborated with staff to assess training needs and design relevant programs.
- Developed training materials for diverse learning environments at HFHO BOCES.
Reading, Math and Afterschool Learning Specialist
The Arc: Advocacy and Services for People with Disabilities-Oneida-Lewis Chapter
10.2012 - 12.2016
- Created individualized learning plans to address diverse student needs and enhance learning outcomes.
- Worked with multidisciplinary teams to implement targeted support strategies that improved student engagement.
- Assessed student progress through tailored evaluations and feedback sessions to inform instructional adjustments.
Peer Coach
Holland Patent CSD
09.2013 - 07.2013
- Facilitated peer support groups to foster collaboration and understanding.
- Guided students in developing personal and academic skills.
- Supported special education teachers in implementing inclusion programs to enhance student engagement
- Planned and organized monthly meetings to address differentiation strategies and planning for students with disabilities
- Assisted educators in implementing individualized learning plans for students.
Professional Development Trainer
Holland Patent CSD
01.2008 - 07.2013
- Delivered professional development courses in SMARTboard integration, Teach Like A Champion implementation, close reading training, Common Core module implementation, data-driven instruction training, and integrated co-teaching training as lead special education teacher
- Developed and supported wiki webpages to enhance professional development and classroom integration
- Supported advisory groups in leveraging technology for enhanced engagement and collaboration
Education
Certificate of Advance Study - Educational Leadership and Administration
Stony Brook University
05-2014
Masters of Science - Education in Inclusive Leadership and Collaboration
Utica College
05-2011
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Concentration in Inclusive Education
Nazareth College of Rochester
05-2008
Skills
- Curriculum development
- Curriculum alignment
- Instructional leadership
- Educational program development
- School evaluation
- Data analysis
- Crisis management
- Strategic planning
- Staff collaboration
- Community engagement
- Teacher support
- Parent communication
- Training and mentoring
- Team building
- Organizational leadership
- Effective communication
- Inclusive education
References
- Mr. James Picolla, Acting C.O.O., HFHO BOCES, (315) 867-2041
- Roberta Matthews, Director of Academics, HFHO BOCES, (315) 867-2057
- Jennifer McDonald, Principal, Mount Markham Elementary, (315) 822-2840
- Laurie Hedges, Assistant Superintendent, HFHO BOCES, (315) 867-2006
Certification
- New York State Professional School Building Leader Certification
- New York State Professional Teaching Certification
- Childhood Education (1-6)
- Teaching Students with Disabilities at the Childhood Level (1-6)
- Middle Childhood Education (5-9): Generalist
- Teaching Students with Disabilities at the Middle Childhood Level (5-9)
- New York State Professional School District Leader Certification
Leadership Experience
- Model Schools Coordinator, Camden Central School District, 9/2025-Present, provide support to teachers with technology integration, plan, coordinate and implement model schools trainings in collaboration with BOCES and the MORIC
- Administrative Mentor, Camden Central School District, 9/2025-Present, mentor to new principals at the elementary level in the Camden Central School District
- SAANYS Region 8 Vice Chairperson, 7/1/2025-Present, support administrators in Region 8 of New York State, provide networking opportunities and facilitate the connection with SAANYS executive director and leadership team
- SAANYS Region 8 Scholarship Committee Chairperson, 5/2026, facilitate the review of scholarship applicants and the selection of recipients for the Region 8 Leadership scholarship
- Mentoring Committee Chairperson, Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton- Otsego BOCES, 7/2016-6/2018, collaborated with the committee to develop PD opportunities and identify necessary support for new teachers in the special education department, CTE department and alternative education department
- STEAM Team Leader, Holland Patent Middle School, Holland Patent Central School District, 04/13, 07/13, Developed and planned for a new and innovative program to be implemented in the fall of 2013 at the 8th grade level, presented to the board of education on 05/21/13 and 06/12/13
- Assessment Coordinator, General William Floyd Elementary, Holland Patent Central School District, 09/10, 06/12, Created and implemented state and local assessment schedules for general education and special education students
- Resident Assistant, Nazareth College Residential Life Office, Rochester NY, 09/05, 05/06, 09/06, 12/06, Planned and implemented educational and social programs for residents
Activities
- New York State Middle School North Country Conference
- New York State Statewide Middle School Conference
- New York State Middle Level Liaison's Conference
- New York State Principal's Institute
- New York State Reading League Conference
- New York State PTECH Leadership Team
- Model Schools Conference
- Minnowbrook Leadership Retreat Presentations
- Mohawk Valley Reading Council
- Teacher Center Policy Board Member
- Kappa Delta Pi
Timeline
Evaluator
The National Forum Schools to Watch
09.2025 - Current
Member and Presenter
Established Leadership, LLC
08.2025 - Current
North Country Conference Presenter
New York State Middle School Association
07.2024 - 07.2025
Camden Middle School Principal
Camden Central School District
07.2018 - Current
Project Based Learning Trainer
HFHO BOCES
04.2015 - 06.2018
Principal
VP-TECH Early College High School
02.2014 - 06.2018
Peer Coach
Holland Patent CSD
09.2013 - 07.2013
Supervisor of Special Education
Herkimer - Fulton - Hamilton - Otsego County BOCES
08.2013 - 06.2018
Grant Writer
Holland Patent CSD
07.2013 - 12.2018
Reading, Math and Afterschool Learning Specialist
The Arc: Advocacy and Services for People with Disabilities-Oneida-Lewis Chapter
10.2012 - 12.2016
Elementary and Middle School Resource Room Teacher
Holland Patent Central School District
09.2008 - 07.2013
Professional Development Trainer
Holland Patent CSD
01.2008 - 07.2013
Certificate of Advance Study - Educational Leadership and Administration
Stony Brook University
Masters of Science - Education in Inclusive Leadership and Collaboration
Utica College
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Concentration in Inclusive Education
Nazareth College of Rochester