Staff Spotlight: Peggy McDermott, Site Administrator at Connect Academy East

At Connect Academy East, strong leadership plays a vital role in fostering a structured, nurturing, and engaging environment for young learners. Peggy McDermott, Site Administrator, brings 25 years of experience in education and a passion for supporting both students and teachers in their growth. Although she has been with Connect Academy for just eight months, her dedication to fostering a positive school culture and enhancing student success is already making a significant impact.
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A Career Dedicated to Education & Leadership
Peggy’s journey in education has been extensive and diverse. She spent 12 years teaching first grade before expanding her experience to third grade and middle school. In addition to classroom teaching, she served as a preschool director for six years and even owned her own tutoring business focused on supporting students with special needs.

Her decision to transition into educational administration was fueled by her desire to support both student and teacher growth. “I not only enjoy assisting children grow developmentally and academically, but also enjoy assisting teachers grow in their classrooms,” she explains. The unique model of Connect Academy intrigued her, and she saw it as an opportunity to continue developing as a leader while making a meaningful impact on students with emotional and behavioral challenges.

Creating a Supportive & Structured Environment
At Connect Academy East, the goal is to equip students with the skills and strategies they need to succeed both academically and socially, whether within Connect Academy or when transitioning back to their home district. Peggy finds immense fulfillment in seeing students use the tools they’ve learned to regulate their emotions, make positive choices, and ultimately return to their home schools successfully.

She is deeply committed to fostering a positive school culture, ensuring that both students and staff feel valued, supported, and motivated to do their best each day. Through open communication, professional development, and staff recognition, she works to create an environment where teachers and paraprofessionals can thrive alongside their students.

Initiatives to Enhance the School Experience
Peggy is always looking for ways to build a strong sense of community and celebrate achievements. This year, she is launching a monthly school newsletter to keep families and staff informed, engaged, and connected.

In addition, she is introducing student recognition postcards, personalized messages celebrating students' progress, achievements, and positive behaviors. She is also extending this recognition to staff by sending out appreciation cards and weekly shout-outs to highlight their hard work and dedication. These initiatives help create an uplifting and encouraging atmosphere, where both students and staff feel acknowledged and motivated.

Collaboration with Teachers, Therapists & Districts
Peggy approaches collaboration with a team-first mindset, working closely with teachers and therapists to understand their needs and support their professional growth. “I approach collaboration in a positive light, always asking what they need from me and how I can help them grow in their positions.” By ensuring staff members feel heard, valued, and equipped with the right resources, she helps strengthen the team-based approach that makes Connect Academy successful.

She also maintains consistent communication with families and school districts, ensuring that everyone involved in a student’s education is aligned and working together to support their success. Through regular check-ins with parents and district representatives, she builds the relationships necessary to create a seamless support system for students both inside and outside the classroom.

A Vision for Growth & Impact
Looking ahead, Peggy’s long-term vision for Connect Academy East is to expand the program and increase the number of classrooms available. She recognizes the growing need for specialized support for young students with social and emotional challenges and hopes to reach more children who would benefit from the structured, therapeutic environment Connect Academy provides.

By continuing to build a strong, collaborative, and student-centered program, she aims to ensure that more children have access to the resources, strategies, and support systems that will help them develop the skills they need to thrive in school and beyond.

Thank You, Peggy!
We are thrilled to have Peggy McDermott as part of the Connect Academy leadership team! Her dedication to student success, staff development, and fostering a positive school culture is helping to shape a supportive and thriving learning environment.

Stay tuned for more Administrative Staff Profiles as we continue to highlight the incredible leaders who make Connect Academy a place where students and educators grow together.

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