In her world, which was dominated by boys and men, union leader and retired principal Frances DiFiore was a standout. She says, “My mother always knew I was going to be the boss.”
Born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut, Fran Giuliano was the third of four children and the only girl. Little did she know that she would marry a man who had only brothers and that they would have three sons together.
From the start, she wanted to be a teacher, but her parents discouraged her because they feared she would be penniless and living with them forever. They were hard workers, her father a mason, her mother a senior pension analyst at Aetna. Aside from their powerful work ethic, their Catholicism engendered in them an intense social conscience. Her mother had practically raised her younger brother and brought him into their home. They also took in an aunt and uncle.
At the University of Connecticut, Fran majored in economics and says, “I hated every minute of it.” So, after two years, she switched to elementary education and was much happier. Then, for a year after college, when there were no teaching jobs, she had no choice but to work in the loan department of a bank. She was 22 when she married Tom DiFiore, an elementary school teacher. “I envied Tom as he set off to teach every day,” she says.
Miraculously, she found a third-grade position at SAND Everywhere School, Hartford Public Schools. “Don’t ask me what SAND Everywhere means,” she laughs. After teaching at SAND for two years, she shared a teaching position for nine years with another young mother while raising Eric, T.J. and Daniel.
“I loved teaching elementary school,” she says. “I loved the kids, the interaction, their laughter. We were in an economically disadvantaged area, and they appreciated everything we did for them.”
Administration was always in the back of her mind. In 1997, she seized an opportunity to become vice principal at Bulkeley High School, “Yes, a high school,” where principal Paul Stringer would become her mentor for life. The next two years, she was the assistant principal at Weaver High School. After Weaver, she was tapped to become principal of West Middle Elementary School:
“I liked the job of principal a lot because you’re the queen of your castle. It’s up to you to implement change. You must initiate it and delegate. It’s all about shared leadership. If someone else is the master of something, I say go ahead and do it.”
In her five years leading West Middle, she initiated school improvement initiatives that resulted in the school being removed from the list of 28 schools identified by the state as being in need of improvement. She says, “It’s all about...
In her world, which was dominated by boys and men, union leader and retired principal Frances DiFiore was a standout. She says, “My mother always knew I was going to be the boss.”
Born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut, Fran Giuliano was the third of four children and the only girl. Little did she know that she would marry a man who had only brothers and that they would have three sons together.
From the start, she wanted to be a teacher, but her parents discouraged her because they feared she would be penniless and living with them forever. They were hard workers, her father a mason, her mother a senior pension analyst at Aetna. Aside from their powerful work ethic, their Catholicism engendered in them an intense social conscience. Her mother had practically raised her younger brother and brought him into their home. They also took in an aunt and uncle.
At the University of Connecticut, Fran majored in economics and says, “I hated every minute of it.” So, after two years, she switched to elementary education and was much happier. Then, for a year after college, when there were no teaching jobs, she had no choice but to work in the loan department of a bank. She was 22 when she married Tom DiFiore, an elementary school teacher. “I envied Tom as he set off to teach every day,” she says.
Miraculously, she found a third-grade position at SAND Everywhere School, Hartford Public Schools. “Don’t ask me what SAND Everywhere means,” she laughs. After teaching at SAND for two years, she shared a teaching position for nine years with another young mother while raising Eric, T.J. and Daniel.
“I loved teaching elementary school,” she says. “I loved the kids, the interaction, their laughter. We were in an economically disadvantaged area, and they appreciated everything we did for them.”
Administration was always in the back of her mind. In 1997, she seized an opportunity to become vice principal at Bulkeley High School, “Yes, a high school,” where principal Paul Stringer would become her mentor for life. The next two years, she was the assistant principal at Weaver High School. After Weaver, she was tapped to become principal of West Middle Elementary School:
“I liked the job of principal a lot because you’re the queen of your castle. It’s up to you to implement change. You must initiate it and delegate. It’s all about shared leadership. If someone else is the master of something, I say go ahead and do it.”
In her five years leading West Middle, she initiated school improvement initiatives that resulted in the school being removed from the list of 28 schools identified by the state as being in need of improvement. She says, “It’s all about...
In her world, which was dominated by boys and men, union leader and retired principal Frances DiFiore was a standout. She says, “My mother always knew I was going to be the boss.”
Born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut, Fran Giuliano was the third of four children and the only girl. Little did she know that she would marry a man who had only brothers and that they would have three sons together.
From the start, she wanted to be a teacher, but her parents discouraged her because they feared she would be penniless and living with them forever. They were hard workers, her father a mason, her mother a senior pension analyst at Aetna. Aside from their powerful work ethic, their Catholicism engendered in them an intense social conscience. Her mother had practically raised her younger brother and brought him into their home. They also took in an aunt and uncle.
At the University of Connecticut, Fran majored in economics and says, “I hated every minute of it.” So, after two years, she switched to elementary education and was much happier. Then, for a year after college, when there were no teaching jobs, she had no choice but to work in the loan department of a bank. She was 22 when she married Tom DiFiore, an elementary school teacher. “I envied Tom as he set off to teach every day,” she says.
Miraculously, she found a third-grade position at SAND Everywhere School, Hartford Public Schools. “Don’t ask me what SAND Everywhere means,” she laughs. After teaching at SAND for two years, she shared a teaching position for nine years with another young mother while raising Eric, T.J. and Daniel.
“I loved teaching elementary school,” she says. “I loved the kids, the interaction, their laughter. We were in an economically disadvantaged area, and they appreciated everything we did for them.”
Administration was always in the back of her mind. In 1997, she seized an opportunity to become vice principal at Bulkeley High School, “Yes, a high school,” where principal Paul Stringer would become her mentor for life. The next two years, she was the assistant principal at Weaver High School. After Weaver, she was tapped to become principal of West Middle Elementary School:
“I liked the job of principal a lot because you’re the queen of your castle. It’s up to you to implement change. You must initiate it and delegate. It’s all about shared leadership. If someone else is the master of something, I say go ahead and do it.”
In her five years leading West Middle, she initiated school improvement initiatives that resulted in the school being removed from the list of 28 schools identified by the state as being in need of improvement. She says, “It’s all about...
In her world, which was dominated by boys and men, union leader and retired principal Frances DiFiore was a standout. She says, “My mother always knew I was going to be the boss.”
Born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut, Fran Giuliano was the third of four children and the only girl. Little did she know that she would marry a man who had only brothers and that they would have three sons together.
From the start, she wanted to be a teacher, but her parents discouraged her because they feared she would be penniless and living with them forever. They were hard workers, her father a mason, her mother a senior pension analyst at Aetna. Aside from their powerful work ethic, their Catholicism engendered in them an intense social conscience. Her mother had practically raised her younger brother and brought him into their home. They also took in an aunt and uncle.
At the University of Connecticut, Fran majored in economics and says, “I hated every minute of it.” So, after two years, she switched to elementary education and was much happier. Then, for a year after college, when there were no teaching jobs, she had no choice but to work in the loan department of a bank. She was 22 when she married Tom DiFiore, an elementary school teacher. “I envied Tom as he set off to teach every day,” she says.
Miraculously, she found a third-grade position at SAND Everywhere School, Hartford Public Schools. “Don’t ask me what SAND Everywhere means,” she laughs. After teaching at SAND for two years, she shared a teaching position for nine years with another young mother while raising Eric, T.J. and Daniel.
“I loved teaching elementary school,” she says. “I loved the kids, the interaction, their laughter. We were in an economically disadvantaged area, and they appreciated everything we did for them.”
Administration was always in the back of her mind. In 1997, she seized an opportunity to become vice principal at Bulkeley High School, “Yes, a high school,” where principal Paul Stringer would become her mentor for life. The next two years, she was the assistant principal at Weaver High School. After Weaver, she was tapped to become principal of West Middle Elementary School:
“I liked the job of principal a lot because you’re the queen of your castle. It’s up to you to implement change. You must initiate it and delegate. It’s all about shared leadership. If someone else is the master of something, I say go ahead and do it.”
In her five years leading West Middle, she initiated school improvement initiatives that resulted in the school being removed from the list of 28 schools identified by the state as being in need of improvement. She says, “It’s all about...
In her world, which was dominated by boys and men, union leader and retired principal Frances DiFiore was a standout. She says, “My mother always knew I was going to be the boss.”
Born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut, Fran Giuliano was the third of four children and the only girl. Little did she know that she would marry a man who had only brothers and that they would have three sons together.
From the start, she wanted to be a teacher, but her parents discouraged her because they feared she would be penniless and living with them forever. They were hard workers, her father a mason, her mother a senior pension analyst at Aetna. Aside from their powerful work ethic, their Catholicism engendered in them an intense social conscience. Her mother had practically raised her younger brother and brought him into their home. They also took in an aunt and uncle.
At the University of Connecticut, Fran majored in economics and says, “I hated every minute of it.” So, after two years, she switched to elementary education and was much happier. Then, for a year after college, when there were no teaching jobs, she had no choice but to work in the loan department of a bank. She was 22 when she married Tom DiFiore, an elementary school teacher. “I envied Tom as he set off to teach every day,” she says.
Miraculously, she found a third-grade position at SAND Everywhere School, Hartford Public Schools. “Don’t ask me what SAND Everywhere means,” she laughs. After teaching at SAND for two years, she shared a teaching position for nine years with another young mother while raising Eric, T.J. and Daniel.
“I loved teaching elementary school,” she says. “I loved the kids, the interaction, their laughter. We were in an economically disadvantaged area, and they appreciated everything we did for them.”
Administration was always in the back of her mind. In 1997, she seized an opportunity to become vice principal at Bulkeley High School, “Yes, a high school,” where principal Paul Stringer would become her mentor for life. The next two years, she was the assistant principal at Weaver High School. After Weaver, she was tapped to become principal of West Middle Elementary School:
“I liked the job of principal a lot because you’re the queen of your castle. It’s up to you to implement change. You must initiate it and delegate. It’s all about shared leadership. If someone else is the master of something, I say go ahead and do it.”
In her five years leading West Middle, she initiated school improvement initiatives that resulted in the school being removed from the list of 28 schools identified by the state as being in need of improvement. She says, “It’s all about...
In her world, which was dominated by boys and men, union leader and retired principal Frances DiFiore was a standout. She says, “My mother always knew I was going to be the boss.”
Born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut, Fran Giuliano was the third of four children and the only girl. Little did she know that she would marry a man who had only brothers and that they would have three sons together.
From the start, she wanted to be a teacher, but her parents discouraged her because they feared she would be penniless and living with them forever. They were hard workers, her father a mason, her mother a senior pension analyst at Aetna. Aside from their powerful work ethic, their Catholicism engendered in them an intense social conscience. Her mother had practically raised her younger brother and brought him into their home. They also took in an aunt and uncle.
At the University of Connecticut, Fran majored in economics and says, “I hated every minute of it.” So, after two years, she switched to elementary education and was much happier. Then, for a year after college, when there were no teaching jobs, she had no choice but to work in the loan department of a bank. She was 22 when she married Tom DiFiore, an elementary school teacher. “I envied Tom as he set off to teach every day,” she says.
Miraculously, she found a third-grade position at SAND Everywhere School, Hartford Public Schools. “Don’t ask me what SAND Everywhere means,” she laughs. After teaching at SAND for two years, she shared a teaching position for nine years with another young mother while raising Eric, T.J. and Daniel.
“I loved teaching elementary school,” she says. “I loved the kids, the interaction, their laughter. We were in an economically disadvantaged area, and they appreciated everything we did for them.”
Administration was always in the back of her mind. In 1997, she seized an opportunity to become vice principal at Bulkeley High School, “Yes, a high school,” where principal Paul Stringer would become her mentor for life. The next two years, she was the assistant principal at Weaver High School. After Weaver, she was tapped to become principal of West Middle Elementary School:
“I liked the job of principal a lot because you’re the queen of your castle. It’s up to you to implement change. You must initiate it and delegate. It’s all about shared leadership. If someone else is the master of something, I say go ahead and do it.”
In her five years leading West Middle, she initiated school improvement initiatives that resulted in the school being removed from the list of 28 schools identified by the state as being in need of improvement. She says, “It’s all about...
In her world, which was dominated by boys and men, union leader and retired principal Frances DiFiore was a standout. She says, “My mother always knew I was going to be the boss.”
Born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut, Fran Giuliano was the third of four children and the only girl. Little did she know that she would marry a man who had only brothers and that they would have three sons together.
From the start, she wanted to be a teacher, but her parents discouraged her because they feared she would be penniless and living with them forever. They were hard workers, her father a mason, her mother a senior pension analyst at Aetna. Aside from their powerful work ethic, their Catholicism engendered in them an intense social conscience. Her mother had practically raised her younger brother and brought him into their home. They also took in an aunt and uncle.
At the University of Connecticut, Fran majored in economics and says, “I hated every minute of it.” So, after two years, she switched to elementary education and was much happier. Then, for a year after college, when there were no teaching jobs, she had no choice but to work in the loan department of a bank. She was 22 when she married Tom DiFiore, an elementary school teacher. “I envied Tom as he set off to teach every day,” she says.
Miraculously, she found a third-grade position at SAND Everywhere School, Hartford Public Schools. “Don’t ask me what SAND Everywhere means,” she laughs. After teaching at SAND for two years, she shared a teaching position for nine years with another young mother while raising Eric, T.J. and Daniel.
“I loved teaching elementary school,” she says. “I loved the kids, the interaction, their laughter. We were in an economically disadvantaged area, and they appreciated everything we did for them.”
Administration was always in the back of her mind. In 1997, she seized an opportunity to become vice principal at Bulkeley High School, “Yes, a high school,” where principal Paul Stringer would become her mentor for life. The next two years, she was the assistant principal at Weaver High School. After Weaver, she was tapped to become principal of West Middle Elementary School:
“I liked the job of principal a lot because you’re the queen of your castle. It’s up to you to implement change. You must initiate it and delegate. It’s all about shared leadership. If someone else is the master of something, I say go ahead and do it.”
In her five years leading West Middle, she initiated school improvement initiatives that resulted in the school being removed from the list of 28 schools identified by the state as being in need of improvement. She says, “It’s all about...
In her world, which was dominated by boys and men, union leader and retired principal Frances DiFiore was a standout. She says, “My mother always knew I was going to be the boss.”
Born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut, Fran Giuliano was the third of four children and the only girl. Little did she know that she would marry a man who had only brothers and that they would have three sons together.
From the start, she wanted to be a teacher, but her parents discouraged her because they feared she would be penniless and living with them forever. They were hard workers, her father a mason, her mother a senior pension analyst at Aetna. Aside from their powerful work ethic, their Catholicism engendered in them an intense social conscience. Her mother had practically raised her younger brother and brought him into their home. They also took in an aunt and uncle.
At the University of Connecticut, Fran majored in economics and says, “I hated every minute of it.” So, after two years, she switched to elementary education and was much happier. Then, for a year after college, when there were no teaching jobs, she had no choice but to work in the loan department of a bank. She was 22 when she married Tom DiFiore, an elementary school teacher. “I envied Tom as he set off to teach every day,” she says.
Miraculously, she found a third-grade position at SAND Everywhere School, Hartford Public Schools. “Don’t ask me what SAND Everywhere means,” she laughs. After teaching at SAND for two years, she shared a teaching position for nine years with another young mother while raising Eric, T.J. and Daniel.
“I loved teaching elementary school,” she says. “I loved the kids, the interaction, their laughter. We were in an economically disadvantaged area, and they appreciated everything we did for them.”
Administration was always in the back of her mind. In 1997, she seized an opportunity to become vice principal at Bulkeley High School, “Yes, a high school,” where principal Paul Stringer would become her mentor for life. The next two years, she was the assistant principal at Weaver High School. After Weaver, she was tapped to become principal of West Middle Elementary School:
“I liked the job of principal a lot because you’re the queen of your castle. It’s up to you to implement change. You must initiate it and delegate. It’s all about shared leadership. If someone else is the master of something, I say go ahead and do it.”
In her five years leading West Middle, she initiated school improvement initiatives that resulted in the school being removed from the list of 28 schools identified by the state as being in need of improvement. She says, “It’s all about...
In her world, which was dominated by boys and men, union leader and retired principal Frances DiFiore was a standout. She says, “My mother always knew I was going to be the boss.”
Born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut, Fran Giuliano was the third of four children and the only girl. Little did she know that she would marry a man who had only brothers and that they would have three sons together.
From the start, she wanted to be a teacher, but her parents discouraged her because they feared she would be penniless and living with them forever. They were hard workers, her father a mason, her mother a senior pension analyst at Aetna. Aside from their powerful work ethic, their Catholicism engendered in them an intense social conscience. Her mother had practically raised her younger brother and brought him into their home. They also took in an aunt and uncle.
At the University of Connecticut, Fran majored in economics and says, “I hated every minute of it.” So, after two years, she switched to elementary education and was much happier. Then, for a year after college, when there were no teaching jobs, she had no choice but to work in the loan department of a bank. She was 22 when she married Tom DiFiore, an elementary school teacher. “I envied Tom as he set off to teach every day,” she says.
Miraculously, she found a third-grade position at SAND Everywhere School, Hartford Public Schools. “Don’t ask me what SAND Everywhere means,” she laughs. After teaching at SAND for two years, she shared a teaching position for nine years with another young mother while raising Eric, T.J. and Daniel.
“I loved teaching elementary school,” she says. “I loved the kids, the interaction, their laughter. We were in an economically disadvantaged area, and they appreciated everything we did for them.”
Administration was always in the back of her mind. In 1997, she seized an opportunity to become vice principal at Bulkeley High School, “Yes, a high school,” where principal Paul Stringer would become her mentor for life. The next two years, she was the assistant principal at Weaver High School. After Weaver, she was tapped to become principal of West Middle Elementary School:
“I liked the job of principal a lot because you’re the queen of your castle. It’s up to you to implement change. You must initiate it and delegate. It’s all about shared leadership. If someone else is the master of something, I say go ahead and do it.”
In her five years leading West Middle, she initiated school improvement initiatives that resulted in the school being removed from the list of 28 schools identified by the state as being in need of improvement. She says, “It’s all about...
In her world, which was dominated by boys and men, union leader and retired principal Frances DiFiore was a standout. She says, “My mother always knew I was going to be the boss.”
Born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut, Fran Giuliano was the third of four children and the only girl. Little did she know that she would marry a man who had only brothers and that they would have three sons together.
From the start, she wanted to be a teacher, but her parents discouraged her because they feared she would be penniless and living with them forever. They were hard workers, her father a mason, her mother a senior pension analyst at Aetna. Aside from their powerful work ethic, their Catholicism engendered in them an intense social conscience. Her mother had practically raised her younger brother and brought him into their home. They also took in an aunt and uncle.
At the University of Connecticut, Fran majored in economics and says, “I hated every minute of it.” So, after two years, she switched to elementary education and was much happier. Then, for a year after college, when there were no teaching jobs, she had no choice but to work in the loan department of a bank. She was 22 when she married Tom DiFiore, an elementary school teacher. “I envied Tom as he set off to teach every day,” she says.
Miraculously, she found a third-grade position at SAND Everywhere School, Hartford Public Schools. “Don’t ask me what SAND Everywhere means,” she laughs. After teaching at SAND for two years, she shared a teaching position for nine years with another young mother while raising Eric, T.J. and Daniel.
“I loved teaching elementary school,” she says. “I loved the kids, the interaction, their laughter. We were in an economically disadvantaged area, and they appreciated everything we did for them.”
Administration was always in the back of her mind. In 1997, she seized an opportunity to become vice principal at Bulkeley High School, “Yes, a high school,” where principal Paul Stringer would become her mentor for life. The next two years, she was the assistant principal at Weaver High School. After Weaver, she was tapped to become principal of West Middle Elementary School:
“I liked the job of principal a lot because you’re the queen of your castle. It’s up to you to implement change. You must initiate it and delegate. It’s all about shared leadership. If someone else is the master of something, I say go ahead and do it.”
In her five years leading West Middle, she initiated school improvement initiatives that resulted in the school being removed from the list of 28 schools identified by the state as being in need of improvement. She says, “It’s all about...
In her world, which was dominated by boys and men, union leader and retired principal Frances DiFiore was a standout. She says, “My mother always knew I was going to be the boss.”
Born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut, Fran Giuliano was the third of four children and the only girl. Little did she know that she would marry a man who had only brothers and that they would have three sons together.
From the start, she wanted to be a teacher, but her parents discouraged her because they feared she would be penniless and living with them forever. They were hard workers, her father a mason, her mother a senior pension analyst at Aetna. Aside from their powerful work ethic, their Catholicism engendered in them an intense social conscience. Her mother had practically raised her younger brother and brought him into their home. They also took in an aunt and uncle.
At the University of Connecticut, Fran majored in economics and says, “I hated every minute of it.” So, after two years, she switched to elementary education and was much happier. Then, for a year after college, when there were no teaching jobs, she had no choice but to work in the loan department of a bank. She was 22 when she married Tom DiFiore, an elementary school teacher. “I envied Tom as he set off to teach every day,” she says.
Miraculously, she found a third-grade position at SAND Everywhere School, Hartford Public Schools. “Don’t ask me what SAND Everywhere means,” she laughs. After teaching at SAND for two years, she shared a teaching position for nine years with another young mother while raising Eric, T.J. and Daniel.
“I loved teaching elementary school,” she says. “I loved the kids, the interaction, their laughter. We were in an economically disadvantaged area, and they appreciated everything we did for them.”
Administration was always in the back of her mind. In 1997, she seized an opportunity to become vice principal at Bulkeley High School, “Yes, a high school,” where principal Paul Stringer would become her mentor for life. The next two years, she was the assistant principal at Weaver High School. After Weaver, she was tapped to become principal of West Middle Elementary School:
“I liked the job of principal a lot because you’re the queen of your castle. It’s up to you to implement change. You must initiate it and delegate. It’s all about shared leadership. If someone else is the master of something, I say go ahead and do it.”
In her five years leading West Middle, she initiated school improvement initiatives that resulted in the school being removed from the list of 28 schools identified by the state as being in need of improvement. She says, “It’s all about...
In her world, which was dominated by boys and men, union leader and retired principal Frances DiFiore was a standout. She says, “My mother always knew I was going to be the boss.”
Born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut, Fran Giuliano was the third of four children and the only girl. Little did she know that she would marry a man who had only brothers and that they would have three sons together.
From the start, she wanted to be a teacher, but her parents discouraged her because they feared she would be penniless and living with them forever. They were hard workers, her father a mason, her mother a senior pension analyst at Aetna. Aside from their powerful work ethic, their Catholicism engendered in them an intense social conscience. Her mother had practically raised her younger brother and brought him into their home. They also took in an aunt and uncle.
At the University of Connecticut, Fran majored in economics and says, “I hated every minute of it.” So, after two years, she switched to elementary education and was much happier. Then, for a year after college, when there were no teaching jobs, she had no choice but to work in the loan department of a bank. She was 22 when she married Tom DiFiore, an elementary school teacher. “I envied Tom as he set off to teach every day,” she says.
Miraculously, she found a third-grade position at SAND Everywhere School, Hartford Public Schools. “Don’t ask me what SAND Everywhere means,” she laughs. After teaching at SAND for two years, she shared a teaching position for nine years with another young mother while raising Eric, T.J. and Daniel.
“I loved teaching elementary school,” she says. “I loved the kids, the interaction, their laughter. We were in an economically disadvantaged area, and they appreciated everything we did for them.”
Administration was always in the back of her mind. In 1997, she seized an opportunity to become vice principal at Bulkeley High School, “Yes, a high school,” where principal Paul Stringer would become her mentor for life. The next two years, she was the assistant principal at Weaver High School. After Weaver, she was tapped to become principal of West Middle Elementary School:
“I liked the job of principal a lot because you’re the queen of your castle. It’s up to you to implement change. You must initiate it and delegate. It’s all about shared leadership. If someone else is the master of something, I say go ahead and do it.”
In her five years leading West Middle, she initiated school improvement initiatives that resulted in the school being removed from the list of 28 schools identified by the state as being in need of improvement. She says, “It’s all about...
In her world, which was dominated by boys and men, union leader and retired principal Frances DiFiore was a standout. She says, “My mother always knew I was going to be the boss.”
Born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut, Fran Giuliano was the third of four children and the only girl. Little did she know that she would marry a man who had only brothers and that they would have three sons together.
From the start, she wanted to be a teacher, but her parents discouraged her because they feared she would be penniless and living with them forever. They were hard workers, her father a mason, her mother a senior pension analyst at Aetna. Aside from their powerful work ethic, their Catholicism engendered in them an intense social conscience. Her mother had practically raised her younger brother and brought him into their home. They also took in an aunt and uncle.
At the University of Connecticut, Fran majored in economics and says, “I hated every minute of it.” So, after two years, she switched to elementary education and was much happier. Then, for a year after college, when there were no teaching jobs, she had no choice but to work in the loan department of a bank. She was 22 when she married Tom DiFiore, an elementary school teacher. “I envied Tom as he set off to teach every day,” she says.
Miraculously, she found a third-grade position at SAND Everywhere School, Hartford Public Schools. “Don’t ask me what SAND Everywhere means,” she laughs. After teaching at SAND for two years, she shared a teaching position for nine years with another young mother while raising Eric, T.J. and Daniel.
“I loved teaching elementary school,” she says. “I loved the kids, the interaction, their laughter. We were in an economically disadvantaged area, and they appreciated everything we did for them.”
Administration was always in the back of her mind. In 1997, she seized an opportunity to become vice principal at Bulkeley High School, “Yes, a high school,” where principal Paul Stringer would become her mentor for life. The next two years, she was the assistant principal at Weaver High School. After Weaver, she was tapped to become principal of West Middle Elementary School:
“I liked the job of principal a lot because you’re the queen of your castle. It’s up to you to implement change. You must initiate it and delegate. It’s all about shared leadership. If someone else is the master of something, I say go ahead and do it.”
In her five years leading West Middle, she initiated school improvement initiatives that resulted in the school being removed from the list of 28 schools identified by the state as being in need of improvement. She says, “It’s all about...
In her world, which was dominated by boys and men, union leader and retired principal Frances DiFiore was a standout. She says, “My mother always knew I was going to be the boss.”
Born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut, Fran Giuliano was the third of four children and the only girl. Little did she know that she would marry a man who had only brothers and that they would have three sons together.
From the start, she wanted to be a teacher, but her parents discouraged her because they feared she would be penniless and living with them forever. They were hard workers, her father a mason, her mother a senior pension analyst at Aetna. Aside from their powerful work ethic, their Catholicism engendered in them an intense social conscience. Her mother had practically raised her younger brother and brought him into their home. They also took in an aunt and uncle.
At the University of Connecticut, Fran majored in economics and says, “I hated every minute of it.” So, after two years, she switched to elementary education and was much happier. Then, for a year after college, when there were no teaching jobs, she had no choice but to work in the loan department of a bank. She was 22 when she married Tom DiFiore, an elementary school teacher. “I envied Tom as he set off to teach every day,” she says.
Miraculously, she found a third-grade position at SAND Everywhere School, Hartford Public Schools. “Don’t ask me what SAND Everywhere means,” she laughs. After teaching at SAND for two years, she shared a teaching position for nine years with another young mother while raising Eric, T.J. and Daniel.
“I loved teaching elementary school,” she says. “I loved the kids, the interaction, their laughter. We were in an economically disadvantaged area, and they appreciated everything we did for them.”
Administration was always in the back of her mind. In 1997, she seized an opportunity to become vice principal at Bulkeley High School, “Yes, a high school,” where principal Paul Stringer would become her mentor for life. The next two years, she was the assistant principal at Weaver High School. After Weaver, she was tapped to become principal of West Middle Elementary School:
“I liked the job of principal a lot because you’re the queen of your castle. It’s up to you to implement change. You must initiate it and delegate. It’s all about shared leadership. If someone else is the master of something, I say go ahead and do it.”
In her five years leading West Middle, she initiated school improvement initiatives that resulted in the school being removed from the list of 28 schools identified by the state as being in need of improvement. She says, “It’s all about...
In her world, which was dominated by boys and men, union leader and retired principal Frances DiFiore was a standout. She says, “My mother always knew I was going to be the boss.”
Born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut, Fran Giuliano was the third of four children and the only girl. Little did she know that she would marry a man who had only brothers and that they would have three sons together.
From the start, she wanted to be a teacher, but her parents discouraged her because they feared she would be penniless and living with them forever. They were hard workers, her father a mason, her mother a senior pension analyst at Aetna. Aside from their powerful work ethic, their Catholicism engendered in them an intense social conscience. Her mother had practically raised her younger brother and brought him into their home. They also took in an aunt and uncle.
At the University of Connecticut, Fran majored in economics and says, “I hated every minute of it.” So, after two years, she switched to elementary education and was much happier. Then, for a year after college, when there were no teaching jobs, she had no choice but to work in the loan department of a bank. She was 22 when she married Tom DiFiore, an elementary school teacher. “I envied Tom as he set off to teach every day,” she says.
Miraculously, she found a third-grade position at SAND Everywhere School, Hartford Public Schools. “Don’t ask me what SAND Everywhere means,” she laughs. After teaching at SAND for two years, she shared a teaching position for nine years with another young mother while raising Eric, T.J. and Daniel.
“I loved teaching elementary school,” she says. “I loved the kids, the interaction, their laughter. We were in an economically disadvantaged area, and they appreciated everything we did for them.”
Administration was always in the back of her mind. In 1997, she seized an opportunity to become vice principal at Bulkeley High School, “Yes, a high school,” where principal Paul Stringer would become her mentor for life. The next two years, she was the assistant principal at Weaver High School. After Weaver, she was tapped to become principal of West Middle Elementary School:
“I liked the job of principal a lot because you’re the queen of your castle. It’s up to you to implement change. You must initiate it and delegate. It’s all about shared leadership. If someone else is the master of something, I say go ahead and do it.”
In her five years leading West Middle, she initiated school improvement initiatives that resulted in the school being removed from the list of 28 schools identified by the state as being in need of improvement. She says, “It’s all about...
In her world, which was dominated by boys and men, union leader and retired principal Frances DiFiore was a standout. She says, “My mother always knew I was going to be the boss.”
Born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut, Fran Giuliano was the third of four children and the only girl. Little did she know that she would marry a man who had only brothers and that they would have three sons together.
From the start, she wanted to be a teacher, but her parents discouraged her because they feared she would be penniless and living with them forever. They were hard workers, her father a mason, her mother a senior pension analyst at Aetna. Aside from their powerful work ethic, their Catholicism engendered in them an intense social conscience. Her mother had practically raised her younger brother and brought him into their home. They also took in an aunt and uncle.
At the University of Connecticut, Fran majored in economics and says, “I hated every minute of it.” So, after two years, she switched to elementary education and was much happier. Then, for a year after college, when there were no teaching jobs, she had no choice but to work in the loan department of a bank. She was 22 when she married Tom DiFiore, an elementary school teacher. “I envied Tom as he set off to teach every day,” she says.
Miraculously, she found a third-grade position at SAND Everywhere School, Hartford Public Schools. “Don’t ask me what SAND Everywhere means,” she laughs. After teaching at SAND for two years, she shared a teaching position for nine years with another young mother while raising Eric, T.J. and Daniel.
“I loved teaching elementary school,” she says. “I loved the kids, the interaction, their laughter. We were in an economically disadvantaged area, and they appreciated everything we did for them.”
Administration was always in the back of her mind. In 1997, she seized an opportunity to become vice principal at Bulkeley High School, “Yes, a high school,” where principal Paul Stringer would become her mentor for life. The next two years, she was the assistant principal at Weaver High School. After Weaver, she was tapped to become principal of West Middle Elementary School:
“I liked the job of principal a lot because you’re the queen of your castle. It’s up to you to implement change. You must initiate it and delegate. It’s all about shared leadership. If someone else is the master of something, I say go ahead and do it.”
In her five years leading West Middle, she initiated school improvement initiatives that resulted in the school being removed from the list of 28 schools identified by the state as being in need of improvement. She says, “It’s all about...
In her world, which was dominated by boys and men, union leader and retired principal Frances DiFiore was a standout. She says, “My mother always knew I was going to be the boss.”
Born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut, Fran Giuliano was the third of four children and the only girl. Little did she know that she would marry a man who had only brothers and that they would have three sons together.
From the start, she wanted to be a teacher, but her parents discouraged her because they feared she would be penniless and living with them forever. They were hard workers, her father a mason, her mother a senior pension analyst at Aetna. Aside from their powerful work ethic, their Catholicism engendered in them an intense social conscience. Her mother had practically raised her younger brother and brought him into their home. They also took in an aunt and uncle.
At the University of Connecticut, Fran majored in economics and says, “I hated every minute of it.” So, after two years, she switched to elementary education and was much happier. Then, for a year after college, when there were no teaching jobs, she had no choice but to work in the loan department of a bank. She was 22 when she married Tom DiFiore, an elementary school teacher. “I envied Tom as he set off to teach every day,” she says.
Miraculously, she found a third-grade position at SAND Everywhere School, Hartford Public Schools. “Don’t ask me what SAND Everywhere means,” she laughs. After teaching at SAND for two years, she shared a teaching position for nine years with another young mother while raising Eric, T.J. and Daniel.
“I loved teaching elementary school,” she says. “I loved the kids, the interaction, their laughter. We were in an economically disadvantaged area, and they appreciated everything we did for them.”
Administration was always in the back of her mind. In 1997, she seized an opportunity to become vice principal at Bulkeley High School, “Yes, a high school,” where principal Paul Stringer would become her mentor for life. The next two years, she was the assistant principal at Weaver High School. After Weaver, she was tapped to become principal of West Middle Elementary School:
“I liked the job of principal a lot because you’re the queen of your castle. It’s up to you to implement change. You must initiate it and delegate. It’s all about shared leadership. If someone else is the master of something, I say go ahead and do it.”
In her five years leading West Middle, she initiated school improvement initiatives that resulted in the school being removed from the list of 28 schools identified by the state as being in need of improvement. She says, “It’s all about...
In her world, which was dominated by boys and men, union leader and retired principal Frances DiFiore was a standout. She says, “My mother always knew I was going to be the boss.”
Born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut, Fran Giuliano was the third of four children and the only girl. Little did she know that she would marry a man who had only brothers and that they would have three sons together.
From the start, she wanted to be a teacher, but her parents discouraged her because they feared she would be penniless and living with them forever. They were hard workers, her father a mason, her mother a senior pension analyst at Aetna. Aside from their powerful work ethic, their Catholicism engendered in them an intense social conscience. Her mother had practically raised her younger brother and brought him into their home. They also took in an aunt and uncle.
At the University of Connecticut, Fran majored in economics and says, “I hated every minute of it.” So, after two years, she switched to elementary education and was much happier. Then, for a year after college, when there were no teaching jobs, she had no choice but to work in the loan department of a bank. She was 22 when she married Tom DiFiore, an elementary school teacher. “I envied Tom as he set off to teach every day,” she says.
Miraculously, she found a third-grade position at SAND Everywhere School, Hartford Public Schools. “Don’t ask me what SAND Everywhere means,” she laughs. After teaching at SAND for two years, she shared a teaching position for nine years with another young mother while raising Eric, T.J. and Daniel.
“I loved teaching elementary school,” she says. “I loved the kids, the interaction, their laughter. We were in an economically disadvantaged area, and they appreciated everything we did for them.”
Administration was always in the back of her mind. In 1997, she seized an opportunity to become vice principal at Bulkeley High School, “Yes, a high school,” where principal Paul Stringer would become her mentor for life. The next two years, she was the assistant principal at Weaver High School. After Weaver, she was tapped to become principal of West Middle Elementary School:
“I liked the job of principal a lot because you’re the queen of your castle. It’s up to you to implement change. You must initiate it and delegate. It’s all about shared leadership. If someone else is the master of something, I say go ahead and do it.”
In her five years leading West Middle, she initiated school improvement initiatives that resulted in the school being removed from the list of 28 schools identified by the state as being in need of improvement. She says, “It’s all about...
In her world, which was dominated by boys and men, union leader and retired principal Frances DiFiore was a standout. She says, “My mother always knew I was going to be the boss.”
Born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut, Fran Giuliano was the third of four children and the only girl. Little did she know that she would marry a man who had only brothers and that they would have three sons together.
From the start, she wanted to be a teacher, but her parents discouraged her because they feared she would be penniless and living with them forever. They were hard workers, her father a mason, her mother a senior pension analyst at Aetna. Aside from their powerful work ethic, their Catholicism engendered in them an intense social conscience. Her mother had practically raised her younger brother and brought him into their home. They also took in an aunt and uncle.
At the University of Connecticut, Fran majored in economics and says, “I hated every minute of it.” So, after two years, she switched to elementary education and was much happier. Then, for a year after college, when there were no teaching jobs, she had no choice but to work in the loan department of a bank. She was 22 when she married Tom DiFiore, an elementary school teacher. “I envied Tom as he set off to teach every day,” she says.
Miraculously, she found a third-grade position at SAND Everywhere School, Hartford Public Schools. “Don’t ask me what SAND Everywhere means,” she laughs. After teaching at SAND for two years, she shared a teaching position for nine years with another young mother while raising Eric, T.J. and Daniel.
“I loved teaching elementary school,” she says. “I loved the kids, the interaction, their laughter. We were in an economically disadvantaged area, and they appreciated everything we did for them.”
Administration was always in the back of her mind. In 1997, she seized an opportunity to become vice principal at Bulkeley High School, “Yes, a high school,” where principal Paul Stringer would become her mentor for life. The next two years, she was the assistant principal at Weaver High School. After Weaver, she was tapped to become principal of West Middle Elementary School:
“I liked the job of principal a lot because you’re the queen of your castle. It’s up to you to implement change. You must initiate it and delegate. It’s all about shared leadership. If someone else is the master of something, I say go ahead and do it.”
In her five years leading West Middle, she initiated school improvement initiatives that resulted in the school being removed from the list of 28 schools identified by the state as being in need of improvement. She says, “It’s all about...
In her world, which was dominated by boys and men, union leader and retired principal Frances DiFiore was a standout. She says, “My mother always knew I was going to be the boss.”
Born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut, Fran Giuliano was the third of four children and the only girl. Little did she know that she would marry a man who had only brothers and that they would have three sons together.
From the start, she wanted to be a teacher, but her parents discouraged her because they feared she would be penniless and living with them forever. They were hard workers, her father a mason, her mother a senior pension analyst at Aetna. Aside from their powerful work ethic, their Catholicism engendered in them an intense social conscience. Her mother had practically raised her younger brother and brought him into their home. They also took in an aunt and uncle.
At the University of Connecticut, Fran majored in economics and says, “I hated every minute of it.” So, after two years, she switched to elementary education and was much happier. Then, for a year after college, when there were no teaching jobs, she had no choice but to work in the loan department of a bank. She was 22 when she married Tom DiFiore, an elementary school teacher. “I envied Tom as he set off to teach every day,” she says.
Miraculously, she found a third-grade position at SAND Everywhere School, Hartford Public Schools. “Don’t ask me what SAND Everywhere means,” she laughs. After teaching at SAND for two years, she shared a teaching position for nine years with another young mother while raising Eric, T.J. and Daniel.
“I loved teaching elementary school,” she says. “I loved the kids, the interaction, their laughter. We were in an economically disadvantaged area, and they appreciated everything we did for them.”
Administration was always in the back of her mind. In 1997, she seized an opportunity to become vice principal at Bulkeley High School, “Yes, a high school,” where principal Paul Stringer would become her mentor for life. The next two years, she was the assistant principal at Weaver High School. After Weaver, she was tapped to become principal of West Middle Elementary School:
“I liked the job of principal a lot because you’re the queen of your castle. It’s up to you to implement change. You must initiate it and delegate. It’s all about shared leadership. If someone else is the master of something, I say go ahead and do it.”
In her five years leading West Middle, she initiated school improvement initiatives that resulted in the school being removed from the list of 28 schools identified by the state as being in need of improvement. She says, “It’s all about...
