Patrick Lattuca, Ph.D.
Superintendent
Ph.D. Educational Leadership and Administrator Training, University of Rhode Island; M.Ed. Educational Leadership, B.A. Education and B.A. Sociology, University of Massachusetts.
Patrick Lattuca believes that schools have an extraordinary responsibility to prepare students for the rest of their lives. It is why he sets exceptionally high expectations for himself, and for all educators.
A Teacher and a Leader
Dr. Lattuca has spent almost 25 years in education, the last eight at Connections Academy. His career began as a teacher at a very different kind of school – a detention facility for incarcerated male youth. He then continued as a teacher at a traditional public school, before moving into administrative roles in several school districts.
Dr. Lattuca came to TEC Connections Academy at the start of the 2015 - 2016 school year. His first position was assistant principal for kindergarten through 8th grade, followed by principal for kindergarten through 12th grade. In 2019, he took on his current role of superintendent.
“There is no sky, there are no limits. When we work together, success is inevitable.”
— Patrick Lattuca
Each Individual Student
Educators must be student-centric role models, according to Dr. Lattuca, and they must work relentlessly to prepare each individual student for the next stage of their life's journey. Each student’s preparation must be considered holistically. It includes social, emotional, cognitive, psychological, and physical aspects of each student’s growth, development, and well-being.
According to Dr. Lattuca, the exceptional responsibility given to educators comes with a set of high personal standards. Educators must be models of professionalism. They must be knowledgeable and well-versed in the latest innovations. And they must be personable and ethical individuals.
Surf’s Up
Outside of work, Dr. Lattuca enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters – vacationing, going to sporting events and the theater, and taking part in outdoor activities including skiing, hiking, and mountain biking.
However, there is one activity that the Lattucas do not enjoy together as a family: surfing in the North Atlantic year-round. Yes, Dr. Lattuca actually surfs during New England winters. He especially likes surfing the late summer hurricane swells as well as the powerful waves generated by nor’easters. Yes, really.