On Thursday, May 25, the Haddonfield School District Board of Education announced the hiring of Dana Blair, Ed.D. as the district’s new director of special education.
Most recently the director of special education in Marlboro Township, Blair earned her bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and English at Rider University, her master’s degree in school leadership and curriculum development at Wilmington University, and her doctor of education degree in curriculum, teaching, learning and leadership at Northeastern University. She is actively pursuing her Juris Doctor at Rutgers Law School.
As Special Education Director in Marlboro Township, Blair directed and transformed the PK 8 Special Education division, 504 plans, and home instruction services for a district that enrolls approximately 5,000 students. She was responsible for oversight of all special education staff from teachers to child study team members and related service providers.
Prior to her five-year term in Marlboro Township, Blair was a language arts teacher at Holbein Middle School (Mt. Holly) for five years and vice principal for one year.
“I am committed to the child-centered approach to education that provides our students with a stimulating, least restrictive environment and promotes the whole child’s development,” said Blair. “Educational programming must be academically and socially engaging and must offer students core foundational abilities to become passionate and productive citizens. I look forward to working with Haddonfield parents, teachers, support staff, and administration who all serve an important role in encouraging our children to become lifelong learners.”
Blair’s official start date is July 31; she replaces Dr. Carmen Henderson who announced her resignation earlier this spring.