Zone 1 Candidate

Tara A. McAuliffe
Rockwell School
Bristol, RI

My career has always centered on advocacy. I advocate for children to be provided with a relevant, quality education. I advocate for teachers to be provided the tools to deliver top-notch instruction. I advocate for families to be supported in the challenges of parenting. My most powerful advocacy though, has been for principals in my state. The principal’s voice is a knowledgeable, experienced one. It needs to be heard as we go about the business of creating new standards and accountability in education. “True leadership lies in guiding others to success, ensuring that everyone is performing at their best, doing the work they pledge to do and doing it well,” politician Bill Owens wisely said. It is vital that school leaders stay the course in these challenging times. My hope is that you will allow me the honor to advocate on behalf of the principals of Zone 1. Together, let’s ensure that the principal’s voice is heard.

Education: M.Ed., Elementary Education, Rhode Island College, ’00 — ESL Certification, K-12, Rhode Island College, ’96 — Elementary Education Certification, Rhode Island College, ’95 — B.S., Speech Communication, Northeastern University, ’86

Professional Experience: Principal, Rockwell School, Bristol, RI, ’10–present — Principal, Meadowbrook Farms Elementary School, East Greenwich RI, ’04–’10 — Principal, Thornton Elementary School, Johnston, RI,  ’01–’04 — Assistant Principal, Peace Dale Elementary School, South Kingston, RI, ’00–’01

Professional Affiliations: NAESP ’00–present (NAESP Rhode Island Representative, ’08–present; Bylaws Committee, ’12–’13; Northeast Regional Meetings Zones 1 and 2, ’09–’13; National Leaders Conference, ’05–’12) — Rhode Island Association of School Principals, ’00–present (Elementary Director, ’05–’08) — Rhode Island Department of Education Data Team

Civic/Community Honors: Reading Volunteer for Adults, East Bay Literacy Volunteers, ’11–’13