FALL RIVER, Mass. — As the head of technology as well as the middle school English Language Arts and Social Studies teacher, Ryan Klein never imagined that his technology skills would be the backbone of an entire school.
Just two short months ago, Ryan Klein played a key role in the ability for St. Michael School in Fall River to quickly switch from in-person education to remote learning as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. His leadership and organizational skills are two of Klein’s defining qualifications that will guide him in his new role as the school principal.
Father Jay Mello, pastor of St. Joseph and St. Michael parishes as well as St. Michael School, recently announced Ryan Klein as the next principal for St. Michael School in Fall River.
“Ryan has been a very active member of St. Joseph’s Parish for many years,” Father Mello said. “After a career in law enforcement, his passion and support of Catholic education prompted him to become a substitute teacher in 2017, which quickly transitioned to head of technology and ultimately, to the middle school ELA and Social Studies teacher. We are blessed to have his high educational and technology standards.
“The parishes of St. Joseph and St. Michael are such a close-knit community and are huge supporters of St. Michael School. Knowing that the school leadership is a well-known and visible member of this community is invaluable to the stability and growth of St. Michael School. Ryan will be instrumental to achieving our goals of raising our academic standards, increasing our enrollment, and the continued faith development of the children in our community.”
“It is such an honor to be leading this wonderful school and I am humbled by the extraordinary support and faith from Father Mello and the parish communities,” Klein said. “We are going through unprecedented times and I am prepared to take on the challenge of leading a school when the definition of ‘school’ is still an uncertainty.”
“Ryan has served St. Michael School the past three years in different capacities — as a substitute teacher, a technology teacher, the seventh grade ELA, and history teacher,” Father Mello added. “He has high moral and academic standards, focusing on each student and staff member excelling in each. He also has clear expectations for behavior and discipline, and has earned the respect and admiration of students, parents and families. He is well-prepared to take St. Michael School to the next level, especially using technology.”
Klein holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Western New England College and is pursuing a Master of Science in Public Administration degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
He and his wife, Michelle, have three children — two at Bishop Connolly High School and the youngest at St. Michael School, both in Fall River.
Jun 9, 2020 at 8:58 PM
