Superintendent
About Dr. Yannacone
Dr. Yannacone has been a professional educator and school community leader for over thirty years. She was educated in Delaware County at Saint Mary Magdalen School, Cardinal O’Hara High School, and Villanova University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1990 and Master of English in 1994. In 2008 she completed her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership at Widener University, with a dissertation focused on the impact of sustained professional development of teachers on achievement of students from historically-underrepresented populations. Dr. Yannacone’s professional career began in 1990 as a teacher of English, first at Penncrest High School and then Marple Newtown High School in Delaware County, PA. During her tenure as a classroom teacher, she developed strong skills in collaboration and leadership
as a grade-level chair, an athletic coach, and President of the Marple Newtown Education Association. She also provided student recognition and voice through the founding of the Marple Newtown High School Renaissance Program and Prejudice Awareness Coalition.
Upon arrival to Strath Haven High School in September 2003 as an Assistant Principal, Dr. Yannacone enhanced her knowledge and aptitude in curriculum development by implementing writing-across-the-curriculum, reading, and technology initiatives. She clarified a vision of teaching excellence through the study of the Danielson Model of supervision, and participation in the PAGE 1 Initiative to improve student performance. As the Principal of Strath Haven High School from 2005-2018, Dr. Yannacone worked diligently to create a vision for her school community that combined outstanding educational experiences with strong expectations in the development of personal character and public service for students. She also worked to create a professional climate that encouraged innovation and collaboration, along with ongoing focus on continuous improvement. Most importantly, she and her faculty and staff worked collaboratively to promote an inclusive community in which all students were exceptionally prepared for the future they chose, whether that led to four-year college, two-year college, vocational, military, or employment opportunity. In December 2016, Dr. Yannacone assumed the dual role of continuing service as High School Principal and a new role as Assistant to the Superintendent. In her new capacity, she led Wallingford Swarthmore School District through a thorough analysis of equity and achievement, established annual goals for improvement, and collaborated with colleagues in the pursuit of those goals.
In 2018 Dr. Yannacone joined Springfield Township as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. Since her arrival she has revised the Curriculum Review Cycle and collaborated with faculty across the district in bringing increased attention to the representation of diverse perspectives within the K-12 classroom. She has also led the Curriculum Subcommittee of Equitable Practices in bringing the Social Justice Standards to the curriculum review process. In 2019 Dr. Yannacone facilitated community meetings and led the development and submission of the SDST Comprehensive Plan and the Act 339 Plan to PDE. Dr. Yannacone is a strong proponent of personalized learning for students, and believes firmly in working with the entire community to plan strategically for our future and for the futures of our students. Her vision for The School District of Springfield Township is a school community of growth and caring rooted in equitable practices.