Look no further than the district office to find Mrs. Peggy Savage’s new workplace. Savage has taken on a new challenge as the new curriculum director, replacing Mrs. Peggy McClain.
“It’s something I was always interested in,” Savage said.
Savage worked as an English and speech teacher for 12 years and was an associate principle for seven years.
“She brings a wide variety of experiences,” Mrs. Angela Smith, Teaching Pathways instructor, said. “She has a lot of dealings with a lot of different subjects.”
Smith was a member of a selection committee of about 15 other people. The selection process consisted of interviews and submitting a portfolio. Smith believed Savage is well read on current education issues and is a good choice for the position.
“She really cares about the curriculum but also really cares about the students and their learning,” Smith said.
Superintendent Mr. Michael Gallina, who calls Savage a “trusted resource,” made the final judgment on who out of the six applicants should be hired for the position.
“[Savage] has great creative curriculum experience,” Gallina said. “She has a good connection to our community and families.”
The administration has been extremely pleased with Savage’s work so far, according to Gallina. Gallina encourages Savage to be a good listener and to “stay connected to our students and staff at the point of service” in her position.
Savage plans to listen and stay connected to students.
“I believe in the student voice and giving opportunities for students to give input,” Savage said.
The role of the curriculum director is “extremely vital to the district’s service to its students,” according to Gallina.
Although Savage is still settling into the swing of things, a typical day consists of meetings and visiting the school facilities, from the kindergarten to the high school.
“I get to go to all our buildings which I really like,” Savage said.
Savage’s role as curriculum director also includes maintaining Hoover’s excellence rating, staff development, hiring qualified teachers and making sure they remain qualified and promoting an effective learning environment.
Part of Savage’s incentive for creating an effective learning environment is to foster in students what she calls “21st century skills,” which include creative thinking, innovation, global awareness and knowing what to do in a situation of uncertainty that would best prepare students for a world that is rapidly changing due to technology and globalization.
“We can’t possibly train you for everything you need to know,” Savage said.
Savage also plans to expand in students what she calls “active learning,” which involves students working together and not just learning by the memorization of facts without comprehension.
“It’s that hands-on kind of learning where you are controlling what you are learning,” she said.
Savage, who plans on observing classrooms, admits that new and active classroom environments will be a change of thinking for some teachers.
“It’s a comfort level,” Savage said. “Students are going to be moving around and the noise level isn’t going to be what they’re used to.”
While Savage’s position is not without its challenges, including coping with the financial situation in Ohio, she said she is honored to have her new position.
“I’m really humbled to be working with students and teachers in a district I love,” Savage said. “We’re a special district. Kids don’t realize that, but once they get out, they will.”