Becky Dorsogna

As someone who has spent my life working in education and deeply believes in the power of public schools, I am running for the Harborfields Board of Education to ensure that we support the whole child- academically, emotionally, and socially. I have spent the majority of my life in education in some capacity. I've worked as a teaching assistant, professor, substitute teacher, teacher, college essay advisor, and even an educational game show writer. Over the past twenty years, I've worked with kids from ages 5 to 22, and I currently teach in a school with students in grades 7-12. Outside of my family, my core concern is the vitality of public education in our society. There are few institutions that do more for a community than public schools, and the role Harborfields School District plays in our community is invaluable. This is not just about what happens in the classroom, but in all of the athletics, arts, music, community service, and clubs that create balanced preparation for our children. 

One of the most important issues facing our schools is the rapidly changing technology landscape. This impacts not just what and how students are learning in the classroom, but also their social and emotional development. Even though I work with teenagers every day, I know there isn't a clear path forward for schools, but I think it's important that someone on the board has first-hand knowledge of the challenges faced by students and staff. Every day, my work requires me to evaluate what is helping and what is impeding my students' development. My professional development is centered around the same questions our district is facing: what to do about phones, how to responsibly use AI, how to address academic deficits, how to help kids who are struggling academically and/or emotionally. If I am elected to the board, I will ask questions about the qualitative value of spending on professional development, curriculum, and technology. I would advocate for professional development that emphasizes project-based learning, which aligns with the district's current direction. I also believe we need to improve how our district leadership understands and applies research on the science of learning and educational technology. 

On a more personal note, I am particularly concerned about maintaining and supporting the student-facing PPS staff- the social workers, psychologists, and counselors. To be completely transparent, the entire PPS and guidance office, along with the teachers, coaches, and administration at OMS, saved my daughter's life and helped her return to school, where she is now doing so much better. Our family's road has not been easy, and unfortunately, our story is not unique. That experience has shaped my perspective in a profound way. I will support hiring additional PPS staff and advocate for building-wide systems that are proactive in identifying and helping students who are in distress. I want to ensure that every school in Harborfields has the resources and staff to foster an environment that helps our children navigate the stressors they face today. 

On the whole, our schools provide so much more to our students than just an academic education. I want to be the voice on the board that also recognizes that some kids only want to go to school so they can be on the team, go to art, play music, or even just see their friends. Extracurriculars can serve many purposes, but at the core, they help keep kids connected. I would like to see better data on student participation across programs and more transparency around how these opportunities are funded and supported. I believe a wide range of extracurricular options should continue to be available, so every student has a way to belong. With both personal and professional insight into the challenges our students and schools face, I will work to sustain the strength of our district by shaping policies that reflect the real needs of our students, staff, and families.