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Stafford Public Schools

Curriculum & Instruction Home

Curriculum & Instruction

Welcome to the Stafford Public Schools Curriculum and Instruction page. This office is committed to continuous improvement that strengthens teaching, learning, and leadership across the district to ensure all students experience success.

The mission of the Office of Curriculum & Instruction/Assistant Superintendent is to provide a rigorous, engaging, and standards-aligned academic program that prepares students for college and career readiness.  All efforts are guided by the Strategic Educational Framework (SEF) and the goals of the Stafford Board of Education.

The Assistant Superintendent supports this work by facilitating district groups such as the Curriculum Advisory Council, Professional Development and Evaluation Committee, STEAM, Wellness, and the Teacher Education and Mentoring (TEAM) Program.

An open book sprouts a tree of knowledge, with academic symbols as leaves.

Colleen Bava Portrait

Colleen Bava

Assistant Superintendent / Chief Academic Officer
bavac@stafford.k12.ct.us
(860) 684-4213

A woman with curly brown hair and glasses smiles at the camera.

Margaret Maynard
Administrative Assistant to the Chief Academic Officer
(860) 684-4213

Dr. Laura Norbut is excited to join Stafford Public Schools as the Chief Academic Officer. She is committed to supporting joyful and engaging learning environments and working collaboratively with students, staff, and families. Dr. Norbut believes that curriculum, instruction, and assessment is at the heart of the work in schools so that all students are active learners and have the resources necessary to reach their individual goals. 


Dr. Norbut earned a B.A. in History and her teaching certification from Sacred Heart University and a Master’s degree in History from the College of William and Mary in Virginia. She later earned her 6th Year in Educational Leadership from the University of Connecticut and most recently completed her Doctorate in Curriculum, Teaching, Leading, and Learning from Northeastern University. Prior to joining Stafford Public Schools, Dr. Norbut served as an Assistant Principal at Smith Middle School in Glastonbury for over seven years. In this role, she partnered with students, staff, and families to support high student outcomes focused on the whole child and advanced teaching and learning practices. Before entering administration, Dr. Norbut was a history and social studies teacher at Westbrook Middle School, Glastonbury High School, and Smith Middle School. In her previous roles, Dr. Norbut developed curriculum, elevated instructional practices, supported district-wide strategic planning, and designed responsive professional learning opportunities. She is committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure the highest quality educational experiences for all students in Stafford. 


Dr. Norbut enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as cooking, baking, and gardening. She enjoys being outdoors and frequently explores museums and historical sites.

District Vision

The mission of the Stafford Public Schools is to prepare our students to assume productive, meaningful, and responsible roles in an increasingly competitive global society.