HERKIMER, N.Y. — The School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS) presented Sarah Trunfio, supervisor of instructional support services and mentoring for Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES, with the 2022 Leadership and Support Award. The award recognizes outstanding leadership efforts of members whose responsibilities require leadership through support services to educators and students across and between school […]
HERKIMER, N.Y. — The School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS) presented Sarah Trunfio, supervisor of instructional support services and mentoring for Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES, with the 2022 Leadership and Support Award.
The award recognizes outstanding leadership efforts of members whose responsibilities require leadership through support services to educators and students across and between school buildings and districts.
Trunfio has been instrumental in impacting teacher retention, student literacy rates, and helping staff build better relationships with students while addressing social, emotional, and mental health, according to a news release.
She created a BOCES-specific mentoring-induction model, developed from research and best practices in mentoring, that has had a positive impact on teacher retention. The three-year induction model places an emphasis on teaching best practices and social and emotional learning wellness.
Trunfio is also facilitating a district-wide initiative developed from needs-based planning sessions with district leadership. The Science of Reading is another of her initiatives that involves training on foundations and research behind teaching students to read. She is also working with BOCES’ alternative high school to discover the root causes of reading barriers and to implement a multi-tiered system of supports model to resolve them.
Trunfio has been with BOCES for nine years, including time as a special-education teacher and mentoring coordinator. She received her school building leader and school district leader certifications from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, her master’s degree from SUNY Cortland, and bachelor’s degree from Illinois College.
SAANYS recognized Trunfio and fellow award winners at a May 6 awards celebration at the Crowne Plaza Albany-Desmond Hotel.
SAANYS represents more than 8,000 school administrators, supervisors, and coordinators and provides direction, service, and support to members in their efforts to improve the quality of education and leadership in New York schools.