Valley Stream District 13 has new leader for curriculum and instruction

Lorraine Radice has been tapped as the district’s new Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction at Valley Stream District 13. Radice brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of enhancing educational programs to her new role in the district.

Prior to joining Valley Stream District 13, Radice served as the PreK-12 Director of Literacy and Director of Elementary Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment at Long Beach Public Schools. Her leadership in these roles has been marked by significant advancements in curriculum development and professional learning. Radice was instrumental in creating and implementing literacy and content-area curricula, monitoring student engagement, and fostering a vibrant culture of learning within schools.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Radice to Valley Stream UFSD Thirteen,” said Superintendent Judith LaRocca. “Her extensive experience, innovative approach, and dedication to enhancing literacy and curriculum make her an exceptional addition to our team. We look forward to the positive impact she will undoubtedly have on our district.”

Radice’s educational journey is marked by a diverse background. She has extensive experience as a grade 6 teacher, English-as-a-new-language teacher, and literacy specialist. Her work in specialized programs has supported language acquisition for students across all grade levels. Additionally, Radice is an esteemed educator at Hofstra University, where she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in childhood education and literacy studies.

A noted author, Radice penned the award-winning Leading A Culture of Reading: How to Ignite & Sustain a Love of Literacy in Your School Community (Solution Tree, 2023), which earned the INDIES Book of the Year in Education in 2023 from Forward Reviews. She has also contributed to the volume Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment: Intersecting New Needs and New Approaches, part of The Handbook of Research in Middle-Level Education. Her research and insights have been featured in prominent publications including ILA’s Literacy Today, ASCD’s Educational Leadership and blog, NCTE Blog, and Edutopia.

Radice’s commitment to professional development extends beyond her immediate roles. She actively participates in local, state, and national professional learning communities, where she shares her research and fieldwork.

Radice holds a bachelor’s degree in childhood education and psychology and a master’s degree in literacy studies from Hofstra University. She also earned an advanced certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from St. John’s University and both an advanced certificate in educational leadership and a doctorate in philosophy in literacy studies from Hofstra University.