April 12, 2024 |City of Lynn, Education, Lynn Public Schools, News

Dr. Christina Colella Appointed Administrator of Special Education

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Superintendent Evonne S. Alvarez, Ed.D. is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Christina Colella as the new Administrator of Special Education.

Dr. Christina Colella, a dedicated educator with a passion for inclusive education, assumed the role of Interim Administrator of Special Education on November 6, 2023. Her appointment to permanent Administrator of Special Education was approved by the Lynn School Committee on April 11, 2024. In this role, with the support of the department, she will oversee the implementation of special education programs, collaborate with teachers, families, and staff to develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), manage and allocate funding sources, and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Dr. Colella is in her 20th year with Lynn Public Schools having worked as an elementary teacher in various grade levels, Elementary Program Specialist, and most recently Principal of Shoemaker School. Dr. Colella’s formal education includes a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Endicott College. Her philosophy of special education is one that centers on the unwavering belief that every student can succeed when provided with the necessary supports, scaffolds, and modifications.

Throughout her 7.5 years at Shoemaker, she worked collaboratively with educators to ensure that one of the most marginalized groups, students with disabilities, received the resources and support they need to thrive academically. She firmly believes that every student’s individual needs must be addressed to pave the way for their success, and this alignment with the values of the district has had and will continue to have an impact on the lives of countless students.

One of the cornerstones of Dr. Colella’s educational philosophy is the importance of communication. She recognizes that effective communication is pivotal in various aspects of education, from fostering strong home-school connections to facilitating productive student-teacher communication, collaborating with administrators, and working in partnership with external medical and service providers. Her commitment to communication has been instrumental throughout her career. Furthermore, her doctoral research provided invaluable insights into the programs and placements of secondary-level students, underscoring the significance of communication in addressing absenteeism among students with disabilities. Her educational journey has equipped her with the knowledge and skills needed to effect meaningful change for the students and families of Lynn Public Schools.

The above press release was submitted to us by the Lynn Public Schools.