On behalf of the Board of La Scuola d'Italia in New York City, Search Associates is pleased to announce that Dr. Michael Cascianelli has been appointed their next Head of School beginning in June 2023.
Dr. Cascianelli, who began his career as a music teacher in Edinburgh, Scotland, is an accomplished educator, researcher, leader, and lifelong learner. He has a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Cambridge in the UK, an MBA from the Quantic School of Business and Technology in Washington, D.C., and a PhD from the University of Cambridge. Dr. Cascianelli served as Primary Principal at Marymount in Rome and fully understands the value of a multi-cultural, bilingual school.
In his last position, Dr. Cascianelli was tasked with leading a newly-founded K-12 school in Beijing, China. Despite the challenges of the COVD-19 pandemic, he managed to achieve International Baccalaureate World School authorization in 15 months while growing the student body from 37 to 230 within two years. He currently serves on the advisory board for a group of 30 schools in Beijing where he is responsible for innovative practices promoting talent development, global mindedness, and social-emotional learning. Fluent in Italian and English, Dr. Cascianelli is also a noted scholar with several published works, including guides for educators. He and his wife, Elisabetta, have two children, Victoria and Christopher, who will enroll at La Scuola.
In announcing his appointment to the La Scuola school community, Board President Massimo D'Angelo wrote,
Building on La Scuola’s unique strengths, we believe Dr. Cascianelli has the knowledge, drive, and passion to guide us to stability and growth.
Dr. Cascianelli states,
I would aim to continue developing a school environment grounded on the school's traditions and values and yet look into the future that awaits students outside the classroom.
The Board of La Scuola and Search Associates would like to thank each of the candidates who expressed interest in the head of school position and to everyone who assisted and supported the search process to its successful outcome.
