With a passion for being in the classroom, former Assistant Principal of Pascack Hills Charleen Schwartzman felt that something wasn’t adding up. An open position at Pascack Valley offered a solution. 

This school year, PV welcomes a new addition to its math department: former PH Assistant Principal, Charleen Schwartzman. The seasoned educator, with 27 years of experience under her belt, embraces the return to math class.

“It just feels so natural,” Schwartzman said. “It’s the most natural thing for me to be with kids.” 

Schwartzman looks back on the two years she served as PH’s Assistant Principal fondly. According to Schwartzman, her favorite part of being an assistant principal was working through students’ problems with them. She always aimed to create solutions to improve each situation.

Schwartzman’s main motivation for the position change was her desire for the close interactions a classroom teacher experiences. She admits that she expected something different in terms of relationships with students as an assistant principal.

“It wasn’t the same,” Schwartzman said. “I had thought it’d be a bigger spectrum [of kids], but it wasn’t as intimate as when you really get to know your kids.”

Schwartzman is no stranger to the math world. She began her teaching career in Sayreville, New Jersey as a math teacher. Then, she taught in Palisades Park, New Jersey and at a high school in New Hampshire. Before landing in the PV area, Schwartzman taught in Glen Ridge, New Jersey. 

During her 19 years at PH, 17 of which were in the math department, Schwartzman taught math classes of all levels: ranging from Algebra I to Calculus BC. After trying out the administrative position of Assistant Principal for two years, she knew it was time for a change.

“I’m excited because I’ve known a lot of the teachers and administration in this building for a long time, but now I get to know them on an even deeper level,” Schwartzman said.

Schwartzman believes the largest adjustment is the new location. PV hosts a population of students that are new to her. Regarding Hills and Valley culture, Schwartzman said it is too soon to tell if there are any significant disparities. For the coming year, Schwartzman has one main goal she hopes to accomplish.

“My goal is to empower kids and help them realize you can do anything if you’re willing to work at it,” Schwartzman said.