Theriault-Regan Named New Principal Of Tewksbury High

With a in less than 60 days, Superintendent of Schools Dr. John O'Connor wasted little time in naming a new principal.

Brenda Theriault-Regan, presently the assistant principal at the John Ryan Middle School, has been selected to succeed Dr. Patricia Lally as . Lally resigned earlier this month after being

O'Connor said he kept the screening process simple, only posting the opening at the high school internally. He interviewed two candidates for the position and feels strongly that Theriault-Regan is the right person for the job. He cited her experience with curriculum, technology and data investigation.

"(Theriault-Regan's) infectious personality, combined with her impressive leadership skills, make her an ideal candidate to fill this highly visible position," said O'Connor.

While the job may be new for Theriault-Regan, the students will not be, as many passed through the Ryan School while Theriault-Regan was a teacher there from 2000-2009.

"There is a huge benefit for the incoming principal to have first hand knowledge of the students and staff," said O'Connor. "Brenda will know 85 percent of the students by name!"

Theriault-Regan, who did not immediately return messages seeking comment, has a remarkable work history and has risen quickly through the educational ranks.

Before earning her bachelor's degree from Lesley College and becoming a teacher in 2000, Theriault-Regan had worked professionally as a restaurant manager, in public relations/advertising/marketing and as a meeting planner.

A Tewksbury resident, she began teaching full-time at the Ryan School in 2000, teaching 6th grade reading and math. In 2003, she earned her Master's Degree from Fitchburg State and later her certificate of advanced graduate study in educational leadership from American International College. In 2009 she was named assistant principal at Ryan.

According to O'Connor, Theriault-Regan will assume the duties of principal of TMHS on July 1. However, she and Lally will work closely over a two-month period to assure a smooth transition.