School gets new leader
FITCHBURG » While so much of the 2020-21 school year remains uncertain for schools throughout the commonwealth due to COVID-19 restructuring, Sizer School’s new executive director is looking forward to the year ahead and leading the charter school into a new world of possibilities.
“While the pandemic is presenting new and different challenges, I am very excited about what’s to come and by the opportunity to play a crucial team role in actualizing the mission and vision of the school,” said Michelle Paranto, Ed.D.
Paranto was named Sizer’s new executive director last month and officially began at the school July 1.
“From living and working in central Massachusetts, I had always heard great things about Sizer,” she said. “Going through the hiring process, I knew that I very much wanted to be the executive director because I was drawn to wanting to work with such a committed and talented group of people.”
Paranto has been an educator for 30 years. She has taught K-12, undergraduate and graduate courses in literature, writing and teacher education.
She earned her master’s in comparative literature at San Diego State University and her doctorate in teacher education and curriculum studies from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her areas of interest include transformative literacy practices, professional learning communities and social justice issues in education.
Paranto’s extensive experience in educational administration, academic program development and assessment, accreditation, curriculum design and teacher professional development will help reinforce Sizer School’s
foundational commitment to providing equity, accessibility and excellence in education.
Most recently, Paranto was the associate vice president for academic affairs at Mount Wachusett Community College.
According to Michelle Brennan, president of the Board of Trustees at Sizer School, “The Board of Trustees is delighted to have Michelle Paranto lead
Sizer School through this unprecedented time in education. We are extremely confident she will meet the challenges ahead.”
Paranto has lived in Central Massachusetts for 15 years and is deeply committed to serving the students, families and communities in the region. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking through forests, swimming in the ocean, reading great books, and spending time with family and friends.
For more about Sizer School, visit sizerschool.org.