Tim Cipolla Appointed Assistant Principal at John Glenn

The Elwood School District has appointed Tim Cipolla as an assistant principal at Elwood-John H. Glenn High School. He replaces Lindsay Fritch, now serving as principal. Cipolla brings to Elwood more than 14 years of experience as an educator, instructional leader and mentor dedicated to fostering student success and supporting excellence in teaching and learning.

Prior to joining John Glenn, Cipolla served as the social studies chairperson and intern principal at EPIC High School North in South Richmond Hill, Queens. In that role, he led curriculum development, instructional coaching, teacher evaluation and professional learning while working closely with school leadership to strengthen instructional practices, improve school operations and cultivate a positive learning environment. Before his tenure at EPIC, he taught at Hawtree Creek Middle School and began his educational career at Summit Academy Charter School in Red Hook, Brooklyn, where he also served as an eighth-grade team chairperson, launching what would become a career centered on educational leadership and student advocacy.

Throughout his career, Cipolla has believed that learning extends well beyond the classroom. As a longtime coach of boys and girls varsity basketball, varsity baseball, varsity soccer and middle school flag football, he has emphasized leadership, perseverance, teamwork and character development, helping students grow both academically and personally.

In addition to his work as a school administrator, Cipolla serves as an adjunct professor in the School of Education at the University of Mount Saint Vincent, where he prepares and mentors future educators. Drawing upon his experiences as a teacher, department chairperson and administrator, he teaches courses focused on classroom management, educational philosophy, psychology of learning and evidence-based instructional practices. He is passionate about helping aspiring teachers build strong relationships with students while creating engaging, inclusive learning environments.

An Oyster Bay resident, Cipolla earned his bachelor’s degrees and Master of Arts in Teaching in social studies education from Stony Brook University. He recently completed his educational leadership degree at Long Island University, where he received the Academic Excellence Award. He also holds an associate’s degree in criminal justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

“Every student has unique gifts, talents and the ability to make a meaningful contribution to the world,” Cipolla said. “As educators, our responsibility is to help students discover those strengths, challenge them to grow and provide the support they need to realize their full potential. I look forward to partnering with the students, staff, families and community of John Glenn High School to build upon its tradition of excellence while ensuring every student feels valued, inspired and empowered to succeed, not only in school, but in life.”