4 alumni take the helm as school principals

Since its founding in 1889 as a normal school tasked with preparing primary school teachers, Eastern Connecticut State University has seen thousands of teaching candidates graduate to become educators and administrators in schools across Connecticut and beyond. Over the years, many Eastern graduates have become leaders of their institutions. In the past decade alone, more than 90 alumni have served as principals and heads of school. 

Four recent principal appointments for the 2025-26 academic year demonstrate the leadership and devotion that have marked Eastern alumni for more than 135 years.

Cynthia (D’Onofrio) Gallo ’95

Cynthia (D’Onofrio) Gallo ’95 is the new assistant principal at John Winthrop Elementary School in Bridgeport. The daughter of Italian immigrants who settled in Bridgeport in the 1960s, she was the first person in her family to attend college.

“What initially drew me to Eastern was the fact that it originated as a teacher's college,” said Gallo, who graduated with a degree in history and social science. “Add to that the positive vibes I felt during my initial visit to its beautiful campus, as well as hearing about the small class sizes and cohort model used.”

Gallo has held a variety of positions during her 30 years of work in Bridgeport schools, including middle school mathematics teacher, math intervention coordinator, data team leader, and climate team leader. Prior to joining the team at John Winthrop Elementary School, Gallo was the assistant principal at Black Rock School.

Gallo has clear goals for her first year at John Winthrop Elementary School: “I want to work with all members of our school community to create a welcoming school environment in which all students feel safe, supported, and cared for. I firmly believe that student success is a shared responsibility between all stakeholders: students, families, teachers, school leaders, and community members. Through ongoing collaboration, open channels of communication, and a focused commitment to excellence, I am confident our students will reach their full potential and grow to be thoughtful and productive citizens.”  

What would she tell Eastern students considering a teaching career? “Your journey is one of courage, compassion, and purpose. Every lesson you prepare, every student you inspire, and every challenge you overcome will shape the future. Surround yourself with colleagues who keep you inspired, because teaching isn’t just a profession; it’s a calling to ignite curiosity, nurture growth, and make a lasting impact.”

Stephanie Sawyer ’08 M’10

Stephanie Sawyer ’08 M’10 is the new principal at Charles Barnum Magnet School in Groton. A native of Preston, she graduated from Eastern in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in history. In 2010, she received her master’s degree in elementary education.

The reasons Sawyer chose to attend Eastern are familiar to anyone who knows the campus: “I was looking for a college close to home. ... I liked the smaller class sizes and being at a school where the professors knew me by name was important to me."

Sawyer is eloquent in describing the skills she learned at Eastern: “I learned how to practice reflection and be the best student I could be. I learned to be open and transparent, how to have tough conversations, and to celebrate loudly and often as a leader. In a school setting, it is important that teachers and students celebrate success together.”

After graduating and volunteering at Windham High School, Sawyer found that working with school children was what she wanted to do. After completing her master's degree, she taught English language acquisition (ELA) and social studies as well as fourth grade in the “Compañeros” program in Windham before serving as assistant principal at the Charles Barrows STEM Academy.

As principal of Charles Barnum Magnet School, she said, “I want to build relationships and trust. We have a large military population, and I want to build trust with those families. I make it a point to be seen in the community.”

What are some of the issues facing today’s educators? “Beyond academics, we are dealing with socio-emotional issues, almost like social workers,” she said. “We see deficits in students’ social interactions. It goes beyond teaching reading and mathematics. We spend a lot of time teaching kids how to get along with their peers.”

Sawyer’s advice to Eastern students planning on becoming teachers is simple: “It’s all about building strong relationships. Get to know your professors. Keep those connections alive after you graduate. And know that face-to-face contact is so important; don’t just use email or the phone.” 

David White ’08

David White ’08 is the new assistant principal at Portsmouth Christian Academy (PCA) in Dover, NH, the largest non-denominational Christian school in New England. 

A Willimantic native, choosing Eastern for college was not only so he could enjoy “home cooking” and the easy commute. His older sister also attended Eastern, and his two younger brothers attended the University as well.

“Student life was also great at Eastern,” said White, who majored in history and served as president of the 180 Christian Fellowship student club. He was also the co-founder of the Pre-Law Society.

“I am grateful for my years at Eastern and what it gave me. The liberal arts (curriculum) was a blessing. It teaches you to think in multiple ways, to think critically. Eastern was where I honed my writing skills and gained a breadth of knowledge, including chemistry, foundations of mathematics, and more.” 

After graduating from Eastern and working as a legal secretary in Hartford, White returned to education as a high school humanities teacher for five years at The Master’s School. He then transitioned into a role as a spiritual life director, before taking positions at Gordon College and Concord Christian Academy. 

White sees his role at PCA as one that supports classroom teachers and their students. “I support the front lines and relieve them of administrative tasks so they can focus on teaching,” he said.

White believes that technology has a central role in developing today’s young minds. “I am pro-technology, but I am not unaware of potential downsides. Today, everyone — children included — has their cell phone out and in use all the time. We aren’t going to go back to the good-old-days, but we need to figure out how to nourish lives in a digital world.”

What advice would he give Eastern education majors?  “I encourage you to approach it with humble reverence. ... The stakes are high, as are the rewards. Be patient, adapt, and grow in meeting the needs of your students.”

Jennifer Hammer ’05 M’11

Jennifer Hammer ’05 M’11 is the new principal at Coventry Grammar School. A native of Windham, she graduated from Eastern with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education before earning her master’s in elementary education.

Describing her relationships on campus, Hammer said, “I have come full circle. A couple of people who I graduated with are now working with me at Coventry. Every professor I had was amazing.” Two at the top of her list are Suzannah Richards and former Professor Jeffrey Trawick-Smith.

“Eastern and the Education Department did a fabulous job preparing me for teaching. Planning content, connecting with kids, managing a classroom.”

After graduation, Hammer spent 12 years teaching in the primary grades in South Windsor before spending five years as a K-6 learning specialist in Wethersfield. She returned to South Windsor to work as an associate principal for four years.

As for her new role at Coventry Grammar School, “I want to get to know the community first and its educational priorities so that our work is aligned with community goals. I want to foster a positive school climate. I want to ensure that every child has what they need — academically, behaviorally, socially — to succeed.”

Hammer commented on the non-academic issues facing educators today. “There has been a significant rise in socio-emotional needs of students,” she said, referring to high rates of youth anxiety. “Educators are being asked to do more but are not given more hours in the day. I am concerned about our teachers maintaining a healthy work/life balance.”

What advice would she give Eastern education majors? “It truly takes a village. Success in this work comes from building strong relationships not only with students, but also with colleagues, families, and community partners.

"When students know they are valued and supported by everyone, they thrive. Teaching is rewarding, challenging and transformative, and when you approach it with both high expectations and deep compassion, you’ll make an impact that extends far beyond the classroom.”