Announcements
Welcome Principal Cox!
January 10, 2022Green Chimneys starts the new year with new school leadership, welcoming Tara Cox as Principal of Green Chimneys School.
There’s great new energy on campus, as new principal Tara Cox dives right into the Green Chimneys community. In partnership with a seasoned administration and education team, Cox oversees daily operation of Green Chimneys School, including curriculum planning, staff development, and all school programs and processes to support students and families.
Green Chimneys School Principal Tara Cox
Tara Cox comes to Green Chimneys following her tenure as Assistant Principal at the Bronx East College Academy, which serves over 500 students in grades 6-12. There her responsibilities included safety, transportation, special education compliance, leadership within the inquiry cycle, as well as supervision of teachers in both the middle and high school. Her 16-year career as an educator includes elementary, middle and high schools within the New York City Department of Education. She has worked as a special education and regular education teacher for grades K-5, and has taught middle school science. She has also served as a teacher mentor, an adjunct professor at New York University, and as Instructional Coach at the Brooklyn Green School.
Leading a therapeutic school for children with special needs
“My time in the New York City Department of Education has given me the honor and privilege of supporting hundreds of diverse learners each day,” says Cox. “I share in Green Chimneys’ commitment to caring for the whole child, providing a therapeutic learning environment to support each student’s success, both during the time that they are here and as they become ready for their next challenge.”
As an animal and nature lover, Cox is also looking forward to working across departments to maintain the integration of nature-based programming and related therapeutic activities for all students. This nature-based approach is a key component in educational and clinical services for Green Chimneys students, who face a range of social, emotional and behavioral challenges.
“Principal Cox is an outstanding addition to the Green Chimneys family,” states Executive Director Ed Placke. “She brings a wealth of expertise, experience, and passion to Green Chimneys School and I look forward to watching both students and staff flourish under her leadership.”
Cox holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education & Special Education from Temple University; a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from New York University; and a Master of Arts in Disability Studies from City University of New York. She is New York State-certified for Students with Disabilities & Childhood Education Teaching (1-6) and as a School Based Leader, as well as a Mentor Teacher in the New York City Department of Education. Cox resides in Putnam County with her family. Her motto is, “It takes a village.”
