Joann Kocis
North Brunswick
Summary
Dynamic educational leader with a proven track record at New Brunswick Public Schools, enhancing student outcomes through differentiated instruction and social-emotional learning. Expert in data analysis and intervention frameworks, successfully increasing reading proficiency by 10%. Committed to fostering inclusive environments and empowering educators through targeted professional development.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Principal
New Brunswick Public Schools
New Brunswick
01.2015 - Current
- Lead instructional and organizational systems for a highly diverse K–5 Title I school serving 600+ students.
- Apply principles of learning theory, child development, motivation, and behavioral psychology to schoolwide systems and teacher coaching.
- Integrated SEL and trauma-informed practices to support student well-being and psychological safety, improving climate indicators.
- Increased reading proficiency by 10% and math proficiency by 30% using differentiated instruction, scaffolding aligned with Vygotsky’s ZPD, concrete-representational-abstract (CRA) sequences, and formative assessment cycles.
- Oversaw MTSS implementation, integrating academic and behavioral interventions based on data, progress monitoring, and cognitive-behavioral supports.
- Designed and delivered ongoing professional learning on classroom management frameworks, student engagement, cognitive scaffolds, and developmental readiness.
- Managed schoolwide Title I plan, attendance interventions, and family engagement initiatives informed by ecological systems theory (Bronfenbrenner).
- Supervised, coached, and evaluated 50+ staff through observation cycles grounded in Danielson, McREL, and cognitive-based feedback structures.
Adjunct Teaching & Adult Learning Experience
01.2015 - Current
- Designed and facilitated adult learning experiences for pre-service teachers, student teachers, and early-career educators.
- Partnered with Rutgers University to mentor student teachers and model instructional practices grounded in cognitive science and developmental psychology.
- Delivered workshops on literacy development, behavior theory, motivation, structured math discourse, SEL, trauma-informed practices, and MTSS.
- Applied adult learning theory (Knowles, Kolb) to develop sessions that build conceptual understanding and practical application.
Vice Principal / Assistant Principal
New Brunswick Public Schools
New Brunswick
01.2008 - 01.2015
- Supported K–8 instruction and climate using research-based behavioral intervention frameworks (PBIS, restorative practices).
- Led academic systems, including scheduling, curriculum implementation, and data inquiry cycles.
- Implemented early childhood developmentally appropriate practices in K–2 classrooms.
- Supported teachers in implementing evidence-based strategies to meet diverse learning needs.
Middle School Math Teacher
01.1998 - 01.2008
- Taught grades 6–8 mathematics, integrating metacognitive strategies, problem-solving heuristics, and growth-mindset practices.
- Designed lessons grounded in cognitive load theory, schema building, and conceptual understanding.
- Served as grade-level leader and PLC facilitator.
Clinical Supervisor
Western Governors University
- Supervise, advise, observe, and assess administrative candidates through their clinical experience.
Education
B.A. - Psychology
Widener University
Chester, PAEd.M. - Educational Leadership
Rider University
Lawrenceville, NJSkills
- Educational psychology and child development
- Cognitive and learning theories
- Motivation and behavior strategies
- Assessment and data analysis
- Intervention frameworks and MTSS
- Social-emotional learning practices
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion in education
- Instructional design principles
- Adult learning methodologies
- Classroom management techniques
- Research-based pedagogy
- Online and hybrid teaching tools
Websites
University Level Skills
- Educational Psychology
- Child Development
- Cognition & Learning
- Motivation & Behavior Theory
- Assessment & Data Interpretation
- MTSS & Intervention Frameworks
- SEL & Trauma-Informed Practices
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Education
- Instructional Design
- Adult Learning Theory
- Classroom Management Frameworks
- Research-Based Pedagogy
- Online/Hybrid Teaching (Canvas, Google Classroom)
Certification
- NJ School Administrator Certificate
- NJ Principal Certificate
- NJ Supervisor Certificate
- Elementary School Teacher (K–8) and Teacher of Psychology certification
- Trauma-Informed Practices, SEL Leadership, and MTSS Implementation Training
- SC Principal/Supervisor Certificate
- SC Elementary School Certification
Awards Recognition
International Alliance for Inviting Schools Award recipient
Leadership Service
- President, Administrators’ Union, Negotiated two contracts, integrating organizational psychology & conflict-resolution strategies.
- Leadership Coach, NJ Leaders to Leaders Program, Mentored new administrators using coaching models grounded in adult learning theory.
- District Safety Team Member, Applied crisis psychology and student behavior frameworks in safety planning.
- School Climate & Culture Chair, Developed SEL and belonging initiatives.
- Mentor, Rutgers University, Supervised pre-service teachers and facilitated reflection using constructivist approaches.
- Clinical Supervisor, Western Governors University, Supervise, advise, observe, and assess administrative candidates through their clinical experience.
Professional Development
Behavior & Motivation Theory in K–5 Settings, Effective Classroom Management & SEL Integration, PLCs & Collaborative Inquiry Cycles, MTSS Academic & Behavioral Supports, Trauma-Informed School Practices, Structured Math Discourse & Conceptual Teaching, Cognitive Science in Education Seminars, MTSS and Structured Literacy Institutes, SEL Leadership Initiatives, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Instruction Workshops
Timeline
Principal
New Brunswick Public Schools
01.2015 - Current
Adjunct Teaching & Adult Learning Experience
01.2015 - Current
Vice Principal / Assistant Principal
New Brunswick Public Schools
01.2008 - 01.2015
Middle School Math Teacher
01.1998 - 01.2008
Clinical Supervisor
Western Governors University
B.A. - Psychology
Widener University
Ed.M. - Educational Leadership
Rider University