Mon Sep 06 2010
by Emily Canning-Dean
Reporter
Twinsburg -- High school students will see a familiar face in the principal's office next year, following the retirement of former high school head Michael Swank.
The Twinsburg Board of Education unanimously approved former high school assistant principal Louise Teringo as the school's top administrator June 3.
"I was ready for something new," Teringo said June 26. "I have been an assistant principal in Twinsburg for three years and it just seemed like the right fit."
Assistant Superintendent Michael Lenzo said Teringo was one of about 30 applicants, and one of seven or eight candidates interviewed. He said the administration felt she was the best candidate because of her experience.
"What separates her from the rest, besides her experience, is that she is very thorough at what she does," Lenzo said. "She also started several new programs at the high school, such as the Senior Experience program."
Senior Experience is a program where seniors shadow someone in a specific profession during their last few weeks of school, Teringo explained.
"This gives students an opportunity to learn about a profession before going to college," she said.
During her time as assistant principal, Teringo encouraged programs that allow students and staff to give back to the community, such as working with the Make a Wish Foundation. As principal, Teringo said she wants to encourage such programs even more.
"I think teenagers sometimes have trouble seeing the big picture, but I think giving back gives them a chance to feel good about themselves," she said.
Lenzo said Teringo's salary has not yet been determined. Swank's salary in his final year was $115,000.
Teringo said she believes one of the biggest differences in duties in becoming principal is that she must consider the school as a whole.
"As an assistant principal, I was assigned to one grade level," she said.
As an assistant principal, enforcing discipline was also a large part of the job.
"I might have some trouble letting that go," she said, adding that she can be quite formidable even at a height of 5 feet 1 inch.
But mostly, Teringo said, she wants to continue the excellent reputation Twinsburg High School has.
"Everyone here is very encouraging," she said. "The people of this district have been wonderful."
Teringo earned a bachelor's degree from John Carroll University in 1986 and a master's degree in 1990. She taught Spanish in the South Euclid School District after graduation. In 1997, she transitioned into administration as an assistant principal in Bedford.
Teringo and her husband, Steve, have four daughters and reside in Newbury.
E-mail: ecanning@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3172
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