Ann Bodnar serves as the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction in the South Orange & Maplewood School District, where she has built her career on a simple but powerful mission: helping every student succeed. A proud Maplewood native and graduate of the district, Ann’s personal connection to the community fuels her drive to create classrooms where all students feel challenged, supported, and inspired to thrive.

Along with her role in devising instructional staff training, Ann has spearheaded initiatives that strengthen teaching and learning across the district. She has secured and managed federal grants to expand vital programs, guided curriculum revisions that elevate cultural responsiveness and inclusivity, and advanced the use of technology tools that put data into action. With equity at the center of her leadership, she works tirelessly to close achievement gaps and ensure every student has access to a high-quality education.

Ann’s path to district leadership began in the classroom as a fifth-grade teacher at Clinton Elementary, followed by roles as Assistant Principal and Principal. Later, as Director of Curriculum and Instruction, she oversaw teams of content-area leaders, managed federal grants, and led professional development that brought best practices and equity-driven instruction to scale. Her vision shaped cornerstone district projects such as the Intentional Integration Initiative and Portrait of a Graduate, both designed to prepare students for success beyond the classroom.

Holding a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Kean University and a master's in Educational Administration from the University of Scranton, Ann is also certified as a Principal in New Jersey. Beyond the district, she lends her expertise as a facilitator with the Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity (SEED) program and as a member of Seton Hall University’s Clinical Advisory Board. Through every role she takes on, Ann remains committed to ensuring that South Orange and Maplewood students not only learn, but flourish.

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