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Brooke Tesche was recently named the Director of School & Services at our Kutztown school, bringing a depth of leadership experience and a clear commitment to supporting students. Learn more about Brooke and her background in special education and school leadership 

Can you talk about your career trajectory and what led you to where you are now?  
My career has been rooted in special education from the very beginning. I started as a special education teacher and quickly found a passion for supporting students with diverse and complex needs. Over time, I moved into supervisory and director roles across multiple districts and intermediate units, which allowed me to deepen my leadership experience and work directly on improving program quality, compliance, and instructional practices. 

I then served more than a decade in system-level leadership roles within the Diocese of Allentown, overseeing 38 schools and leading major initiatives in special education, curriculum, strategic planning, and school operations. I also gained executive-level experience as a superintendent and later as executive director for an intermediate unit, strengthening my ability to lead large-scale organizational systems.  One of the greatest honors of my career was founding Kolbe Academy, a recovery high school in the Lehigh Valley. 

Those experiences naturally led me to New Story Schools, where I have been able to combine my passions for special education and mission-driven work. As Director of Schools and Services at Kutztown, I now focus on ensuring high‑quality programming for students with autism and complex behavioral needs. 

What do you love most about working in special education?  

I love the incredible opportunity to change the trajectory of a child’s life. Special education is a field grounded in hope, creativity, and problem‑solving. Every student has a unique story, and it is a privilege to build environments where they can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. 

I also love the collaborative nature of this work. Partnering with teachers, clinicians, families, and districts to design individualized, meaningful programs is deeply rewarding. Watching students make progress, celebrate milestones, or accomplish something they once found impossible is the greatest joy of my career. 

What makes our Kutztown school special?  
Kutztown is special because it offers a truly individualized, evidence‑based learning environment for students. We bring together strong instructional practices, ABA‑informed behavioral supports, trauma‑informed care, and a dedicated team that genuinely believes in each child’s potential. Our focus on safety, consistency, communication, and high expectations creates an environment centered around the success and dignity of every learner. 

How would you describe your leadership style?  
My leadership style is collaborative, transparent, and mission‑driven. I believe in being accessible and hands‑on so I can truly understand the needs of students and staff. I lead with high expectations, while also bringing empathy and a coaching mindset. 

I prioritize: 

• Data‑informed decision-making 
• Clear communication 
• Building capacity in others 
• Modeling professionalism and integrity 
• Creating a culture of trust and teamwork 

I see leadership as service. Teams should be supported so they feel valued and equipped to deliver exceptional instruction and care. 

What is your vision for partnering with districts and families?  
My vision is to build trusting and transparent relationships in which families and districts feel like true partners. That means ensuring open communication, consistent progress updates, and collaborative decision‑making that keeps the student at the center. 

For districts, I aim to provide high‑quality, reliable programming that supports their goals and gives them confidence in our work. For families, I want them to feel supported and included in every part of their child’s journey. 

Ultimately, my vision is a seamless partnership model in which everyone works together to ensure successful placements and long‑term outcomes for each student. 

What does success look like over the next year?  
Success in the coming year includes: 

• Strong student growth academically, behaviorally, and in functional skills 
• Consistency and quality in instructional and behavioral programming 
• Clear systems for progress monitoring and data‑driven decision-making 
• Strengthened relationships with districts and families 
• High staff retention and ongoing professional development 
• Operational stability and compliance across all areas 
• A positive school culture where students and staff feel safe, supported, and proud to be part of the New Story Schools community 

Success is also reflected in the small wins: smiles, breakthroughs, and moments when students show us what they are truly capable of. 

What is a fun fact about you?  

I am a former high school cheerleading coach. I spent two years coaching and absolutely loved it. It combined my passion for mentoring young people with my love of teamwork, energy, and school spirit, and it remains one of my favorite early career memories. 

I am also a marathon runner, and when I’m not on the road training, I’m usually surrounded by my husband and our animals. We share our home with six dogs, three cats, and a cockatoo, so there is never a dull (or quiet) moment! 

Brooke’s experience, leadership, and commitment to student success continue to make a meaningful impact on the Kutztown school community. 

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