TSOE Alumna Appointed Director of Curriculum in Amityville

Jessica Kemler ’99ED,’22Ed.D.—a double alumna of The School of Education at St. John’s University—began the new year as the new Director of Curriculum in the Amityville, NY, School District.

“We are always proud in the School of Education when one of our alumni takes on such an important role,” said James D. Wolfinger, Ph.D., Dean, The School of Education. “Dr. Kemler’s preparation at St. John’s helped shape her commitment to educational equity, innovation, and excellence. We are excited to see what she will do in Amityville.”

Dr. Kemler took some time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions from her alma mater.

Please share with us what your new role entails.

As the Director of Curriculum in Amityville, I am responsible for implementing the academic vision of the district. This includes overseeing curriculum development, ensuring alignment with state standards, integrating innovative instructional practices, and supporting teachers with resources and professional development. The role also involves analyzing student performance data to drive continuous improvement and equity across all schools.

How did your experience at St. John’s prepare you for this role? 

My time at The School of Education provided a strong foundation in both theory and practice. The rigorous coursework deepened my understanding of curriculum design, assessment, and instructional leadership, while field experiences taught me how to translate research into actionable strategies. Being part of a community that values equity and innovation inspired me to lead with a student-centered approach.

What impact would you like to have in this new role at the Amityville School District? 

My goal is to ensure all district curriculum not only meets academic standards, but also fosters inquiry, critical thinking, creativity, real-world application, and cultural responsiveness. Additionally, I aim to ensure every student has access to high quality, project-based learning experiences that address the New York State Portrait of a Graduate expectations, preparing them for college, careers, and life. I also want to empower educators by providing the tools and support they need to thrive.

Which guiding principles do you bring to this role?

The guiding principles that I think will assist me in moving teaching and learning forward in Amityville are: 

• Equity and Inclusion: Every student deserves access to rigorous and relevant learning opportunities.
• Collaboration: Curriculum development and implementation are most effective when teachers, families, and community voices are included.
• Innovation: Embracing research-based practices and technology enhances learning.
• Continuous Improvement: Using data and feedback refines and strengthens instructional programs.

What advice would you give to current teachers aspiring to the role of Director of Curriculum?

Seek opportunities to lead beyond your classroom—join curriculum committees, mentor new teachers, and engage in professional learning communities. Develop a strong understanding of standards, assessment, and instructional design. Most importantly, cultivate leadership skills rooted in empathy, collaboration, and a commitment to student success.

With 26 years of service in public education, including the last 10 years as both District Testing Coordinator and Elementary Principal in the Roslyn School District, what’s next for you?

I am so excited to be a part of this amazing community and to have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on teaching and learning at a systemic level. Beyond that, I hope to continue contributing to the field through mentoring future leaders, writing about best practices, and possibly teaching at the university level to prepare the next generation of educators.