About Our Team
Stacy Ricciotti
I have been an instructional coach for 15 years. I'm also the WBMS reading team coach. My previous experience was that of fourth grade teacher, Title 1 Reading Specialist, and Success for All Facilitator. I'm especially passionate about andragogy--the science of teaching adult learners. The quality of instruction in the classroom is of utmost importance for the future of our West Branch students. When we learn together, alongside our students, we all grow. Our instructional coaching team collaborates with teachers, as partners, to help our colleagues meet their own professional goals. We strive to work with all adult learners, within our district, to provide the same high quality training and promote a love of lifelong learning. I'm the instructional coaching team cheerleader, so I always do my best to support and encourage my colleagues as we learn together.
I grew up in North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, and attended the University of Pittsburgh where I studied Sociology, History, and Secondary Social Studies Education. After graduate school, I moved to Portland, Oregon, and worked in the city school system. I taught and coached volleyball at Roosevelt High School. In 2022, I moved to Philadelphia and taught US History at CHAD Charter High School. Eventually, my husband and I settled near Lancaster, PA, where I taught and coached at Lampeter-Strasburg High School. In 2009, we moved to Philipsburg, my husband's hometown, and I started teaching at West Branch Area High School. In 2020, I accepted a part-time Instructional Coach position at WB, transitioning daily from teaching students to adult learners. I enjoy teaching every day and feel grateful to be surrounded by amazing teachers and inspirational students.
Phil Wood
Hi, I'm Phil Wood. I've been teaching sixth grade at West Branch for 21 years. My main focus is on teaching science. I have also conducted research with Penn State. The research focused on me implementing reading and writing strategies in the science classroom. Several years ago, I also took on a role as an instructional coach. In this role, I collaborate with other instructional coaches to deliver professional learning opportunities to colleagues. Most recently, I have helped to create an after-school STEM (Science Technology Engineering & Mathematics) Club where students engage in monthly challenges. These STEM challenges engage students in the 4C's -- "super skills"-- for the 21st Century (Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Creativity). It is very rewarding for me to be a part of students' educational experiences and watch them grow academically. I love my job.