Paterson gets a new principal: Correia has extensive experience as a teacher and administrator
by Mark Jahne
Editor
Dr. Matt Correia exudes enthusiasm about his new job as the principal of John Paterson School. It’s an exciting new adventure in his career as a professional educator.
“I’m new to the district. I started July 27. August was focused on meeting staff. Before this I was in the Newtown Public Schools as a principal for seven years,” he said.
He was also the principal of a middle school in Berlin.
Born and raised in the Waterbury suburb of Middlebury, he graduated from Pomperaug High School in Regional School District 15. That was followed by earning an undergraduate degree from Southern Connecticut State University, a master’s degree from Central Connecticut State University, a sixth-year certificate in education administration from Sacred Heart University and a doctorate from Western Connecticut State University.
Correia is 44 years old, married, and the father of two sons. His wife is also a professional educator.
“She teaches at Sandy Hook [Elementary School] in Newtown,” the school where 20 children and six teachers and administrators were shot and killed in December 2012.
“We’re in the process of moving back to Middlebury,” he said.
He was familiar with the Newington district and knew that it has a commitment not just to education, but to families. That attracted him to his new position.
“I have a deep connection with the vision of the district. Newington families are very involved in their children’s lives, especially in education,” he said.
Also appealing are the commitment to professional development and to providing equitable opportunities for all children. He said he wants to give John Paterson students the best academic opportunities.
He has prior experience teaching children of this age.
“I wanted to get back to elementary school … it had to be the right fit, and the right town, and the right district,” he said.
Newington fulfills all three of those requirements. He added that NPS is committed to academic and professional excellence.
“The staff here is amazing. This is a very hard-working, dedicated and committed staff,” Correia added. “It takes a lot to be a teacher.”
There are approximately 80 faculty and other staff at John Paterson. He can already detect a strong sense of family in how they interact and support one another. As much as the primary focus is upon academics, social-emotional learning is also a high priority, especially in this post-pandemic era.
He said the 2026-2027 academic year has gotten off to an excellent start. Now it’s time to build relationships with staff, students and parents. Another benefit he cited is that parents have a sense of trust in the schools and the people who educate their offspring.
“It’s a great community. I see my future here. I already feel at home here.”
Correia enjoys baseball, particularly the Boston Red Sox, walking and animals.
“We have a golden retriever,” he said.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Maureen Brummett said Correia’s selection concludes a thorough and collaborative recruitment process involving parents, staff, Board of Education members and administrators.
He joins the Newington Public Schools with 12 years of elementary and intermediate administrative experience. Most recently, he served as the principal of Reed Intermediate School in Newtown. Prior to that, he spent five years as the principal of Willard Elementary School in Berlin following his tenure there as assistant principal.
Correia began his career in education as a classroom teacher, instructing students in kindergarten, fourth grade and fifth grade.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Southern Connecticut State University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Central Connecticut State University. He earned a sixth-year certificate and administrative certification from Sacred Heart University and completed his doctorate in instructional leadership at Western Connecticut State University.
“Dr. Correia brings a wealth of leadership experience, a deep background in elementary education and a proven commitment to student success,” Brummett said. “We are confident that his collaborative approach and passion for teaching and learning will greatly benefit the John Paterson Elementary School community.” NL