Equity, Curriculum & Instruction

Supporting all Montclair students

Our work centers on meaningful opportunities for every student to learn, grow and succeed. These beliefs guide how we support instruction, strengthen schools and engage our community.

What We Believe

  1. Challenging all students by providing high-quality academic opportunities is essential to student success.
  2. All children, regardless of circumstances, can achieve at high levels.
  3. Effective educators are key to improving growth in student achievement. In addition, the Board of Education and Central Office must promote an environment of continuous improvement and innovation that results in a high performing district that is 100% focused on student achievement and success.
  4. Supportive and engaged parents, guardians and members of our diverse community must be welcomed and encouraged to become active participants in the education of our students.
  5. An authentic integration of equity, access and opportunity in our curriculum, services, professional development and resources is essential to ensure we meet each student's academic needs.
  6. Critical conversations are needed to ensure we disrupt any and all practices that provide access to some and not to others.

Leadership Portfolios

Explore each area to find the right contact for curriculum, instruction, student support or professional learning.

Literacy, Humanities, and Assessments

Erika Pierce

Director of Equity, Curriculum & Instruction

  • English Language Arts curriculum, instruction and teacher training
  • Social Studies curriculum, instruction and teacher training
  • State and local assessments
  • MTSS Literacy

Mathematics, STEM, and Innovation

Nisha Gandhi

District Administrator

  • Mathematics curriculum, instruction and teacher training
  • Science curriculum, instruction and teacher training
  • STEM curriculum implementation
  • Mathematics and Science achievement initiatives
  • MTSS Mathematics

Student Opportunity and Enrichment

Dr. Samanthaa Anglin

Director of Equity, Curriculum & Instruction

  • Visual and Performing Arts curriculum, instruction and teacher training
  • Physical and Health Education curriculum, instruction and teacher training
  • World Languages curriculum, instruction and teacher training
  • Gifted and Talented
  • Title Grants
  • Grant development

Teaching and Learning

Dr. Jill McLaughlin

Director of Equity, Curriculum & Instruction

  • Multilingual Learner (ML) instruction
  • ML grants and program compliance
  • ML state assessment
  • ML family engagement
  • Professional learning
  • Teacher evaluation support, training and calibration
  • New teacher orientation and training
  • MTSS system
  • Instructional framework
  • Instructional fidelity walks

School Climate and Continuous Improvement

Maria Francisco

Principal on Special Assignment

  • School climate and culture
  • Restorative practices
  • District continuous improvement
  • NJ Single Accountability Continuum (NJQSAC) project management
  • School improvement monitoring
  • Cross-department strategic initiatives

Office Contact

Roxanne Smith, Secretary

Montclair Public Schools