Goodwin University and LEARN, a Regional Educational Service Center based in Old Lyme, Connecticut, have announced the appointment of Matthew R. Dadona of Avon as Assistant Superintendent of Pathways and Partnerships for the Goodwin University Magnet School System, effective October 25, 2021.
A newly created leadership position, the Assistant Superintendent provides strategic support in developing the best educational programs and services, particularly those related to Career Technical Education and workforce partnerships. Chief among Dadona’s responsibilities is creating relationships with community stakeholders and educational partners to increase engagement with the University’s magnet schools, Early College Education, Early College Advanced Manufacturing Program (ECAMP®)/Early College Advanced Pathway (ECAP), and other new programs.
Dadona first joined the Goodwin System in 2019 as Early College Advanced Manufacturing Director at the University’s Connecticut River Academy magnet school. Prior to that appointment, he was Director of Information Technology, and Career and Technical Education for Windsor Public Schools, and Professional Learning Community Leader and Technical Education Teacher at Windsor High School.
“The new position of Assistant Superintendent for Pathways and Partnerships is unique in that it connects our magnet school programming with the community and industry partners, and provides our scholars with innovative opportunities as they plan for their future success,” explained Dr. Salvatore Menzo, Superintendent of Goodwin University Magnet Schools. “Matt is the perfect candidate for this position. He possesses the depth of curriculum knowledge and valuable interpersonal skills to foster strong partnerships.”
“LEARN is excited to see Matt shift into this role for the Goodwin University Magnet School System,” said Kate Ericson, LEARN Executive Director. “The work he will do in the advanced manufacturing arena will continue to expand opportunities for Goodwin students, as well as for students from across the region.”
The new position and the opportunities it affords school districts throughout the state reflect yet another milestone in Goodwin’s growing Magnet School System. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to reach more students and to offer personalized pathways for their college and career goals,” Dadona commented. “In my time here, I have seen the great potential of the Goodwin/LEARN relationship, and I look forward to developing partnerships with additional schools, businesses, and community organizations. Addressing the skills needs of Connecticut requires early student engagement; the Goodwin model is the first to fully recognize this and invest in students by tailoring programs to ensure the continuum from pre-K to post-secondary school is seamless and achievable for all.”
To learn more about the magnet schools at Goodwin University, visit www.goodwin.edu/magnet-schools.
Information about LEARN can be found at www.learn.k12.ct.us.
Goodwin University is a nonprofit institution of higher education and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Goodwin University was founded in 1999, with the goal of serving a diverse student population with career-focused degree programs that lead to strong employment outcomes.