Holmdel names new humanities supervisor
BY CHRIS GAETANO Staff Writer

HOLMDEL - The township's school district has selected Susan Alston, who until recently taught in Woodbridge, as new supervisor of humanities.

Alston, as humanities supervisor, will be responsible for developing curriculum, training staff, teacher observations, professional development and in-service planning. Her position will place her attention in both literature and social studies, which together she says are essential survive in today's increasingly global economy.

"I see a very direct connection between the two - both reading literary works and nonfiction requires the same skills, the same reading and writing skills, the same study skills and I think interdisciplinary work is key in today's world," Alston said.

She earned a bachelor's degree at Brooklyn College in English and her master's in Multicultural Education at Iona College. Born and raised in New York, she has lived in New Jersey ever since her daughter was born. Alston said that working in Woodbridge has given her experience with teaching in diverse communities, which she said she plans to apply to Holmdel.

"I'm coming from an extremely diverse district and there is diversity here in Holmdel, and I think I can apply their lesson I've learned in dealing with people of any different backgrounds, cultures and ability levels," Alston said.

She will begin her new position Oct. 10 "or sooner," according to a statement released by the district. She plans to spend the beginning of her tenure at Holmdel doing the same thing as all the students there: learning. She wishes to examine how everything works to see if any changes need to be made, but said that from her observations so far, Holmdel is working very nicely, as student achievement is very high.

All in all, Alston is very excited to start working in Holmdel.

"I'm absolutely thrilled and very, very excited. It's a real opportunity to work in a wonderful, progressive district with great community involvement. It's kind of a dream come true," Alston said.

Superintendent of Schools Barbara Duncan had words of praise for Alston.

"We are very pleased to have her on board," Duncan said.