EHPS Announces Founding Administrator for East Hartford Science and Technology Academy
East Hartford Public Schools is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Tanya Collins as the first Administrator of the East Hartford Science & Technology Academy (EHSTA), the district’s innovative new science and technology academy launching in Fall 2027.
Dr. Collins brings nearly 25 years of experience in education as a school administrator, STEM lead teacher and curriculum developer. Most recently, she served simultaneously as both Principal and Director of Human Resources at the Interdistrict School for Arts and Communication in New London, CT providing instructional and organizational leadership for a diverse Grades 4–8 school. In this role, she oversaw instruction and assessments, curriculum writing and development, multilingual learner programming, student supports and school climate, as well as staff recruitment, retention, development, and support.
Prior to that, Dr. Collins spent 17 years as a STEM Lead Teacher and Grade 6 Science Teacher at a STEM magnet middle school program in New London. There she helped launch the STEM program and led interdisciplinary, inquiry-based STEM learning. Throughout her career, Dr. Collins has held a variety of district leadership roles, including Title IX Coordinator, McKinney-Vento Liaison, Attendance and Engagement Lead, School Climate Coordinator, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Lead. She began her career in education as a second-grade teacher.
“Dr. Collins has an exceptional combination of instructional leadership and STEM curriculum expertise tailored for this new role,” said Thomas Anderson, Superintendent of East Hartford Public Schools. “Her experience will be invaluable as she leads EHSTA through its formation, launch and into the future as a rigorous and engaging experience for East Hartford students.”
EHSTA will be a district-operated science and technology academy serving approximately 150–200 students in Grades 5–8, with an initial cohort for Grades 5 and 6 beginning Fall 2027. Located in a dedicated wing of East Hartford Middle School, the academy will feature technology labs supporting robotics, prototyping, aerospace, data science, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and other emerging STEM fields. Students will engage in project-based, career-connected learning through partnerships with universities and industry, including the University of Hartford and the Connecticut Science Center.
“I am excited about the opportunity to provide more high-quality STEM opportunities for East Hartford students, challenging them to become problem-solvers, collaborators, and innovators in a rigorous, project-based learning environment,” said Dr. Collins.
Dr. Collins holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, a Sixth Year Degree in Educational Administration and an Intermediate Administrator Certification (092) from Sacred Heart University. She earned her Master of Science in Elementary Education from the University of New Haven, and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Seton Hall University.