After 17 years as a Biology and Anatomy and Physiology teacher at Pascack Valley, Alison Petaccia has become the new PV Assistant Principal. This change in positions is currently in effect for the 2022-23 school year.

She is in charge of student discipline and behavior for grades 10 and 12, senior parking, and attendance.

Petaccia has been teaching for 24 years. Prior to working at PV, she taught a Dynamics of Health Care course and was the Athletic Trainer at West Essex High School.

“One of the things that I enjoyed the most about teaching is connecting and having good conversations with students,” Petaccia said. “Having those opportunities to make an impact with students was my strength.”

Petaccia liked being a science teacher because she helped students find their passions. She especially enjoyed working with students whose dreams were to go into the healthcare field.

“I’m going to miss out on having that ability to inspire them in that way, but I will use other opportunities to make those connections with students to hopefully influence them in some capacity,” Petaccia said.

In addition to teaching, Petaccia was also the Pascack Valley Gymnastics Coach; however, she can no longer be a coach, as she is now an administrator.

“When you’re coaching, it gives you another opportunity to have a good relationship and connection with students outside of the classroom,” Petaccia said. “You can have these great conversations with students where you don’t feel that same pressure to make sure that you’re getting content accomplished.”

Petaccia said that while she will miss coaching, she will still be able to support students and help them as an administrator.

“I decided to become an assistant principal because I wanted to have a greater impact on more students,” Petaccia said.

So far, Petaccia’s favorite thing about becoming an assistant principal is working with more people. When she was a science teacher, she mostly worked alone, with her students, or occasionally with a few other teachers.

“Working with Mr. Puccio, Mr. Gallione, and everybody in the front office has been such a great team [experience],” Petaccia said. “So, I’m really enjoying working together—all of us—to help make the necessary decisions that will help students.”

Her goal for her first year as assistant principal is to get to know as many students and teachers as possible and to become more comfortable in her new position.

“I think a really good first step [is having] trust and transparency built [with the faculty and students],” Petaccia said.