At last night’s meeting, the Cohoes Board of Education approved the recommendation of Heather Bradt for the position of principal of the Cohoes Middle School beginning July 1.
Ms. Bradt brings over 16 years of experience and knowledge to this position. She is currently the assistant principal at the high school, where she has served since 2023. Prior to that she was assistant principal of Catskill High School for two years. She also was a math teacher at the high school for 12 years.
Ms. Bradt received her Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from SUNY Oneonta, her Master’s in Adolescent Literacy from Russell Sage College and her School Building Leader Certification through the SUNY Plattsburgh Branch Campus at Queensbury.
Applying for the position was the natural ascension in her career and one she is excited to embrace. “My years in administration have prepared me for this new opportunity,” said Ms. Bradt. “I believe that my experience and passion will allow me to contribute positively to the team and help empower students to achieve their academic goals.”
Superintendent Peggy O’Shea agrees.
“Ms. Bradt has excelled in her role as assistant principal and I’m looking forward to working with her in her new role as middle school principal.”
What excites you most about leading the middle school, and how do you see this role as different from your current one at the high school? After working at the high school level for 16 years, I am excited to work at the middle school level to prepare students for high school. Middle school age students are at such a pivotal stage in their lives. My focus as their principal will be to foster their love for learning and community, instilling respect and responsibility and strengthening social emotional awareness. This role is similar to my current role as high school assistant principal, but now I will be focusing more on curriculum and instructional rigor with staff as their instructional leader.
What is something you’ve learned from teachers at the high school level that you want to apply in middle school? I have observed at CHS that when we set high expectations for our students, they rise to the challenge—an insight I will carry with me to CMS.
What does a “successful middle school experience” look like to you:
A successful middle school experience, in my view, is one in which every student is able to connect with a supportive adult who fosters their academic and social growth. I firmly believe that all students are capable of learning when provided with the appropriate time, guidance, and conditions.