Madeline Paneto-Gonzalez joins Church Street School as acting Assistant Principal

With nearly four decades in education and experience spanning elementary and secondary schools, Madeline Paneto-Gonzalez is bringing a veteran educator’s perspective to her new role as acting assistant principal at Church Street School.

Ms. Paneto-Gonzalez, who is entering her 39th year as an educator, began her career as a classroom teacher in New York City’s District 4 in East Harlem. She later became an elementary school assistant principal in East Ramapo before serving as an elementary school principal in Elmsford. She subsequently returned to East Ramapo as an assistant principal at the secondary level and, most recently, served as interim assistant principal at Pearl River High School.

She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Hunter College and received her degree in educational leadership from New York University.

Despite her extensive administrative experience, Ms. Paneto-Gonzalez said building relationships will be at the heart of her work at Church Street. She believes students need to know that the adults in their school understand them as individuals as well as learners.

“It’s important that they feel heard, that they feel seen, that we have a good understanding of who they are,” she said. That includes learning about students’ interests and individual learning styles and finding ways to help them connect with their education. 

Ms. Paneto-Gonzalez said her priorities include supporting teachers, connecting with parents and building bridges throughout the school community. She also emphasized supporting Principal Myra Castillo and helping advance the school’s existing mission and vision.

 “These folks are a well-oiled machine, and my job is to help them continue being successful,” she said, adding that her own “personal touch” will be what she brings to the team.