Ms. Shannon Sharkey
Principal of the Hornblower Early Childhood Center
Mrs. Shannon Sharkey, Ed.S. is the proud Principal of Hornblower Early Childhood Center (HECC). She uses her extensive knowledge of child development and language acquisition to collaborate and lead the HECC team in creating inclusive learning environments and a positive school culture that fosters student creativity and grows student capacity to take risks. Mrs. Sharkey applies her skills and experiences to work with staff, parents, administration, and the Belleville community in continuing to grow a high quality preschool experience that builds a strong foundation for individual student success in the years to come.
Prior to joining the Belleville Beginners team, Mrs. Sharkey served as Supervisor of Special Services in Warren Township Public Schools, as well as the district’s Early Childhood Administrator. In her role as Supervisor, Mrs. Sharkey oversaw and evaluated Preschool Programming, curricula, professional development, and staffing. She coordinated co-teaching and special education programs, including curriculum, assessment, and IEP programming and related services. In addition, Mrs. Sharkey supported a tiered system of supports and implemented positive behavioral supports and verbal de-escalation strategies, including Non Violent Crisis Prevention Intervention, in special education programs, specifically ABA and LLD.
Mrs. Sharkey began her career as a speech and language pathologist over twenty years ago working on multi-disciplinary teams supporting students of various ages and abilities. Mrs. Sharkey earned a Bachelor’s of Science and Master’s of Arts degree in Speech and Language Pathology from the College of New Jersey. To broaden her impact on student success, Mrs. Sharkey attended Seton Hall University whereby she earned an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Executive Educational Leadership, Management, and Policy and holds a Standard Supervisory Certificate, a Standard Principal Certificate, and School Administrator Certificate of Eligibility. She resides with her husband, three children, and two dogs and she loves going to the beach.
As an Early Childhood Education leader, Mrs. Sharkey has overseen many successful changes including expansion of the Hornblower Early Childhood Center footprint, implementation of the Creative Curriculum, and monitoring of student progress, through utilization of the GOLD Assessment, which provides exceptional developmentally appropriate instruction based on evidence-based practice. Mrs. Sharkey routinely assesses staffing and scheduling needs, and works with preschool team leaders in the coordination of various school and community activities and events that support student learning and inclusive practices to foster independence and grow imaginations.