The Baldwin Union Free School District has appointed Tara Cocheo as its new director of fine and performing arts.
Cocheo comes to Baldwin with 14 years of experience as an educator and administrator, working with students across grade levels and serving in instructional and leadership roles.
Most recently, Cocheo was the lead teacher for the Farmingdale School District’s music department, where she helped overhaul the district’s K-12 music curricula and worked with teachers and administrators to align instruction with New York state learning standards for the arts.
Her experience includes curriculum development, instructional leadership and professional development. Cocheo has also served as Nassau secondary vice president of the Long Island String Festival Association and as a New York State School Music Association festival chairperson. She has mentored new teachers and coordinated student festivals and performances.
Cocheo holds a postgraduate certificate in educational leadership from Stony Brook University, a master’s degree in music education from Queens College and a bachelor’s degree in music education from SUNY Fredonia.
She also holds New York state certifications as a school district leader, school building leader and K-12 music educator.
In her new role, Cocheo will work with Baldwin teachers and administrators on the district’s fine and performing arts curriculum and programming, as well as opportunities for student artists and musicians.
