Martin Pascale, a former teacher in the Ansonia school district, is Derby High School’s new principal.
Click here for a previous Valley Indy story.
Pascale, 37, was previously the school’s assistant principal.
He lives in Waterbury with his wife, Jennifer, and their two children, Martin Jr., 3, and Stella, 11 months.
The Valley Indy conducted a 10-question Q&A with Pascale through email.
Valley Indy: Where were you born and raised, and where did you go to high school?
Pascale: “Born in Norwalk, moved to Monroe at age 5. Graduated from Masuk High School, class of 95. Taught in Ansonia for twelve years as a social studies teacher.”
Valley Indy: When did you know you wanted to be an educator?
Pascale: “I had several influential history teachers in middle and high school. Also, my father has a passion for history.”
Valley Indy: Was there a specific teacher who was an influence on you? Who were they and how did they influence you?
Pascale: “In seventh grade Mr. Ferguson fostered a passion for learning and history. During college I had several outstanding professors as well.”
Valley Indy: Where did you go to college?
Pascale: “Both my undergrad and graduate work were completed at Southern Connecticut State University and my sixth year was completed at the University of Bridgeport.”
Valley Indy: What radio station do you listen to in your drive into work?
Pascale: “Country 92.5 or WFAN.”
Valley Indy: Favorite band?
Pascale: “Metallica.”
Valley Indy: Favorite sports team?
Pascale: “New York Yankees.”
Valley Indy: Do you have any specific goals for Derby High School?
Pascale: “To prepare the students of Derby High School for the challenges they will face in society.”
Valley Indy: Why did you want to become principal at Derby High School?
Pascale: “Having worked in the valley for fourteen years, I wanted to have a genuine impact on the path the students of Derby will take. I could not pass up this opportunity to lead Derby High School into the future.”
Valley Indy: Name on thing about Derby High School that the public should know about Derby High School, but probably doesn’t.
Pascale: “For the most part, students at Derby are not part of your stereotypical high school “cliques.” Students support each other in all different ways.”
