Goshen School Leader Honored as NYS Elementary School Principal of the Year

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Dr. Matthew Wentworth

ALBANY, NY (03/20/2025) (readMedia)-- Dr. Matthew Wentworth, principal at Goshen Intermediate School, has been selected as the 2025 New York State Elementary School Principal of the Year by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS) and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). This award is given annually to a member of SAANYS and NAESP who is clearly committed to excellence, has programs designed to meet the academic and social needs of all students, and has firm ties to parents and the community.

Dr. Wentworth says that his experience has "reinforced the importance of focusing on what truly matters in education – the well-being and success of students and staff." He notes that his school leadership team has "successfully implemented innovative programs like the Choose Love Flocks System, secured funding through creative budgeting practices, and supported staff with distributed leadership initiatives." His accomplishments highlight his "ability to lead with integrity, maintain clarity of purpose, and build a thriving school community."

The Choose Love Flocks System "combines social-emotional learning (SEL) principles with an innovative 'House System,' inspired by Harry Potter, to foster a sense of belonging, collaboration, and positive competition among students and staff. Rooted in the Choose Love formula – Courage, Gratitude, Forgiveness, and Compassion – the program unites the entire school community in shared values and goals."

The initiative implemented by him and his team, Dr. Wentworth says, "has not only enhanced student experiences but also strengthened relationships among staff, students, and families, making it a cornerstone of our school's identity and mission. This accomplishment reflects my ability to translate SEL research into impactful practices that foster a thriving school community."

Dr. Wentworth completed a groundbreaking study for his dissertation, analyzing data from 704 schools over a 10-year period. The work, completed amid the challenges involved in the COVID pandemic, "uncovered key insights into the correlation between leadership continuity and graduation rates, providing actionable recommendations for sustaining effective leadership teams." The study reflects Dr. Wentworth's "dedication to both scholarly inquiry and practical application in improving outcomes for students across New York State."

Lorine Van-Put Lamerand, assistant superintendent for business for the Goshen Central School District, says, "Dr. Wentworth is a dedicated and innovative leader whose efforts have made a profound impact on our schools and community." She adds, "What truly sets Dr. Wentworth apart is his focus on balancing the needs of students and faculty. He approaches challenges with care and innovation, finding thoughtful solutions that benefit everyone involved. His decisions consistently reflect his commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for both staff and students."

Goshen Intermediate School Teacher Anabel Tavkar says that in her 17 years of experience as an educator, "Dr. Wentworth is by far the best principal I have ever worked for." She adds that she has been "consistently inspired by his leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to the success of our school community. His unique combination of personal approachability, professional expertise, and deep passion for education sets him apart as an extraordinary leader who is truly deserving of this recognition."

Tavkar says that Dr. Wentworth remembers what it is like to be a teacher and incorporates that into his approach every day. "He understands the challenges of teaching and works tirelessly to address them, always seeking ways to make the work more effective and manageable. His empathy and dedication make him a leader who is truly 'in the trenches' with us, working side by side to create the best possible learning environment for our students."

Dr. Wentworth received his master's from SUNY Oswego and his doctorate in School Leadership from Sage College. He received a Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) from SUNY New Paltz.

Dr. Wentworth and fellow 2025 award winners will be recognized at SAANYS' annual awards celebration, taking place on May 2 at the Desmond Hotel – Crown Plaza in Albany.

SAANYS represents nearly 22,000 school administrators, supervisors, and retirees. As a professional association, SAANYS is committed to providing direction, service, and support to the membership in their efforts to improve the quality of education and leadership in New York State schools. SAANYS is affiliated with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).