Dr. Sharon Pepukayi, Superintendent of Schools has announced new administrative appointments effective July 1, 2024. Carolanne Burkhardt, Ed.D. has been appointed as Curriculum Supervisor, Career and Technical Education and Math 9-12. Mrs. Jaclyn Valcik has been named Curriculum Supervisor, Social Studies K-12 and Gifted and Talented, and Ms. Julia Smith has been promoted to Supervisor of Special Education.
Dr. Burkhardt earned a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Reading from East Stroudsburg University, a Masters in Educational Administration from University of Massachusetts Lowell, and a Doctorate in Education from Johns Hopkins University. She began her career at Talbot County Public Schools in 2004 as an elementary school teacher, and has been Assistant Principal at Easton Middle School since 2018.
Dr. Burkhardt is a certified Olweus Bullying Prevention Program Trainer, a Restorative Practices Trainer, and a Life and Engagement Coach. She has also served as a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Coach, a Teacher Mentor, a Cooperating Teacher for Salisbury University Student Teachers, as well as a Teaching Assistant at Johns Hopkins University.
Mrs. Valcik holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Towson University and a Master’s in Administration and Supervision I from Loyola University. She has Maryland Advanced Professional Certification in Elementary Grades 1 – 8 and Administration & Supervision I and II. Since joining the TCPS team in 2003, she has been an elementary school teacher, assistant principal and principal. She has served as a New Teacher Mentor since 2022.
Selected as Talbot County Teacher of the Year for 2010 – 2011, Mrs. Valcik has led professional learning in topics such as Universal Design for Learning, effective CFIP meetings/data discussions, Equity and CARE Team Leadership and Analyzing Student Data. She has served on School Improvement and Career Ladder Committees, and well as Reading Leadership and Teacher Advisory.
Ms. Smith earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from St. Mary’s College of Maryland and a Master of Education in Special Education from Loyola University. She joined Talbot County Public Schools in 2021 as the Access, Equity & Progress Coordinator. Since joining TCPS, she has developed and implemented professional learning for staff, including a Community of Practice for Universal Design for Learning, as well as a self-advocacy program for students. Ms. Smith has also mentored new teachers and served as both Nonpublic Liaison and ALT Facilitator.
Ms. Smith’s prior professional experience includes serving as a Special Education Teacher for Howard County Public Schools, Adjunct Faculty at Howard Community College, and a Coordinator and Professional Learning Trainer for San Martin de Porres, a private school system in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She is bilingual in English and Spanish.
“These proven leaders will be a great addition to the Teaching and Learning Team,” said Dr. Pepukayi. “I look forward to seeing the insights that they will bring to their new roles, as we begin this new school year focused on Transforming and Performing Together.”
