In continuing to foster initiatives in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, the District welcomes Joseph Paolicelli, Ed.D., as the new director of STEM. He started in the position on Sept. 24. Dr. Paolicelli is likely a familiar face to many in the district, previously serving as assistant principal at Shoreham-Wading River High School for four years.

A native New Yorker, Dr. Paolicelli began his interesting career as an electrician before joining the U.S. Air Force. He served during Desert Shield and Desert Storm as an aircraft mechanic and technical instructor. He was then recruited to a Fortune 500 company based in southern California to design training programs, program testing equipment and serve as the liaison between engineers and production staff.

Dr. Paolicelli relocated back to New York to begin a career in education, teaching mathematics and becoming department chairperson at William Floyd High School. In 2008, he joined Shoreham-Wading River High School as assistant principal, where he served until 2012. He moved on to Patchogue-Medford schools, serving as an assistant principal at both middle school and high school levels, where he developed new CTE programs for the students. Dr. Paolicelli is pleased to be back in Shoreham-Wading River as STEM director.

Dr. Paolicelli earned an undergraduate degree in computer science, a master’s degree in mathematics education and a doctorate in educational leadership.