Molly McCarthy

Riddle Brook School
Bedford School District
Bedford, New Hampshire
mccarthym@sau25.net

According to Riddle Brook School’s Technology Integration Teacher, Debra Rodd, principal Molly McCarthy practices leadership by “promoting the positive connection between developing teacher skills and increasing student achievement through professional development activities, which are aligned with academic standards.” In her 12-year tenure, McCarthy has developed a rich culture of professional learning through data-driven PLC facilitation, supportive observation, workshops, and a yearlong mentoring program that pairs veteran teachers with new staff. She believes that just as best teaching practices recognize diverse learning styles, professional development should meet the diverse learning needs of professional staff. As a result, her instructional leadership has encouraged creativity and collaboration by empowering staff to be the drivers of instructional change, allowing Riddle Brook to improve interventions and implement teaching methodologies that encourage students to practice critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital citizenship skills. McCarthy has also expanded programming for kindergarten students by introducing a fee-based half-day supplemental program opposite students’ regular half-day kindergarten session, strengthening the foundation for later academic and social success through positive reinforcement. All of these efforts have led to sustained academic growth; in 2017, Riddle Brook received the National Blue Ribbon Award for Exemplary High Performing School in recognition of student achievement and best practices in instruction, assessment, and intervention. McCarthy is currently a cohort member of the Granite State Leadership Academy. She holds B.A. and M.Ed. degrees from Keene State College.