The Hicksville Public School District is proud to announce the appointment of Kirsten Watts as the Assistant Director for Special Education, effective July 18, 2025. Ms. Watts brings a deep commitment to inclusive education and a strong track record of supporting the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional development of students with disabilities.
Ms. Watts comes to Hicksville with extensive experience as a special educator, administrator, and instructional leader. Most recently, she served as the Principal of the Early Learning Center at the Lexington School for the Deaf, where she led a team of educators in delivering high quality, developmentally appropriate instruction and support for young learners. She also served as the Extended Year Program (EYP) Coordinator for Nassau BOCES, where she was responsible for the overall operation and instructional leadership of the summer program.
In her new role, Ms. Watts will work collaboratively with school leaders, staff, and families to ensure that Hicksville’s special education programs continue to reflect best practices, meet the highest standards of excellence, and prioritize student-centered, inclusive supports.
“We are excited to welcome Ms. Watts to the Hicksville leadership team,” said Hicksville Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton. “Her passion for supporting all learners, paired with her expertise in curriculum, program development, and family engagement, makes her an ideal addition to our district.”
Ms. Watts holds several New York State certifications, including School Building Leader (SBL), School District Leader (SDL), and Students with Disabilities (All Grades). She is currently pursuing her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership for Diverse Learning Communities with an expected completion date of 2026–2027. She earned her Post-Master’s certifications in SDL and SBL from Molloy University, where she also received a combined Bachelor’s and master’s degree in childhood special education.
Her contributions to the field extend beyond the classroom. As an adjunct professor and field supervisor at Molloy University, she has mentored the next generation of educators, developed professional development seminars, and presented at regional conferences on topics such as social emotional learning, Universal Design for Learning, and growth mindset practices.
Ms. Watts is also a published author, with her most recent article, Effective Methods, Strategies, and Resources for Meaningful Instruction to Build a Growth Mindset in Young Children, appearing in Creative Education.
The Hicksville Public School District looks forward to the leadership and innovation Ms. Watts will bring to Hicksville students with disabilities.