A former Capital Region BOCES data and instructional coach with more than a decade of experience in education has circled back to serve students in a greater capacity. 

Gina Bulson assumed her new role as Deputy Director of Educational Support Services (ESS) in August. She comes to BOCES from the Shenendehowa Central School District where she started as an Elementary Academic Interventionist, transitioned to a Data and Instructional Coach, and was most recently the K-5 STEM Administrator. 

The Capital Region BOCES ESS division supports school districts in raising student learning and achievement through programs that are grounded in research and continuously benchmarked against best practices. Bulson will work closely with ESS Director Kelly Masline to achieve the division’s priorities, which include strengthening and expanding services. 

“I’m really glad to have Gina on our ESS team,” said Masline. ”Beyond her strong K-5 math and science background, she brings real expertise in using data to drive school improvement and has worked on professional development centered around the New York State Education Department’s numeracy briefs. I’m excited to work with her as she leads initiatives that directly support our region’s schools, teachers, and students.” 

Throughout her career, Bulson has taught students from age 2 to grade seven, created professional development, assessment materials, curricula, and enrichment plans for teachers. She said working with students at various levels has given her a stronger understanding of developmental continuums and stages of learning.

“I am looking forward to having opportunities to collaborate with more teachers, coaches, and leaders to enhance student learning regionally,” said Bulson. “I will be collaborating with our coaches who go out into districts, as well as with the ESS team, to think through ways to support our component districts.” 

Bulson is a graduate of Bank Street College’s Math Leadership Program, which she says pushed her to dig deeply into higher level mathematics and ways in which educators can help students deeply comprehend mathematical concepts. 

Of her time at Bank Street, Bulson notes “A favorite experience was walking the streets of NYC with a surveyor’s wheel and a stopwatch to measure the speed of cars, which we later connected to finding the derivative of functions.” 

Bulson earned two master’s degrees from Bank Street College of Education—a Master of Science in Leadership and Mathematic Education and a Master of Science in Childhood General and Special Education.