A roller coaster project she implemented as a math teacher at a previous school taught incoming Baldwin Assistant Principal Stephanie Bonaroti that learning is a long ride full of twists and turns.

In this end-of-year project, her students built their own model roller coasters, using materials like card stock, cardboard and tape, which each had a different “cost.” The coasters had to reach a certain height and length, and students had to make it stable while minimizing “cost” but also making a creative design.

“If groups were not concerned with cost in this project, students could go through a lot of trials to generate their perfect coaster, but ultimately create a lot of waste and spend a lot of money,” Bonaroti said. “Similarly, in life, money will always be a limiting factor to carrying out great ideas. This project gave students experience with making choices about whether the cost of materials would really pay off in the end.”

Bonarati started her career in education as a math teacher in Chicago, first at a middle school for three years and then in high school for four.

Her favorite part of being a math teacher was getting high schoolers to enjoy the content rather than dread the class. She loved getting her Algebra 2 and trigonometry students, who were not typically interested in math, engaged in the material to help them succeed.

“Most people don’t come into those math classes liking the class,” Bonaroti said. “That process of getting them to do something that really felt intimidating was something that I really enjoyed.”

Bonaroti believes it’s important to create an environment that inspires kids to succeed in their classes and eventually in their future lives. That played a big role in why she wanted to be one of the leaders for an entire building, she said. 

Bonaroti’s eagerness to understand students on a personal level is important for the assistant principal position, which Co-Principal Brandon Whitfield noticed in the interview. 

“The connection they made when we actually had the panel of students in there, and also the connection she made with our staff, I thought it was very professional,” Whitfield said. “I thought that her vibes would connect with a lot of (students) and I think that’s really important in our high school,” Whitfield said.

To Co-Principal John Saras, the way Bonaroti spoke with student representatives during the interview process really stood out.

“Those interactions were genuine and real, and you can just see a sense of excitement about potentially being a new member of our team as administrators,” Saras said.

Bonaroti got her undergraduate degree at Notre Dame, a fact that helped her form a quick connection with junior Michael Quallich, a student interview panel member who has committed to attending Notre Dame as well. When someone asked which college football team had been unfairly left out of the playoffs, Bonaroti had a quick answer, Saras said.

“She was like, ‘I don’t mean to be biased, but you know, Notre Dame.’ And he just lit up, and they had that instant connection,” Saras said.

Saras, a former math teacher, also appreciates Bonaroti’s teaching experience.

“She has a background in mathematics, so that common language that we share as educators when it comes to mathematics was exciting,” Saras said.

Bonaroti also studied music as an undergrad and in her master’s degree studies at the University of Chicago. She said she always loved music and looks forward to supporting the arts programs at Baldwin.

Sophomore Charlotte Landis, another student on the panel, highlighted Bonaroti’s interests in theater and music.

“She seemed genuinely excited to get involved with all of the students,” Landis said. “She is very interested in the arts, which I think will be good to focus more on in our school.” 

Bonaroti grew up in Fox Chapel, where her parents inspired her to go into education.

“Growing up, my dad and my mom were both really big on service and giving back to our community,” she said. “As I started to get older, I realized I love school, and I want to be in a school environment where I am actually impacting a bigger community of people and kids.”

She got another master’s degree, in education, from National Louis University in Chicago. After teaching there, she returned to the Pittsburgh area and to take on administrative roles, including assistant principal, at Propel Montour Middle/High School. 

Like Bonaroti, Whitfield also previously worked at a Propel school, although he was at Propel Northside and Propel McKeesport. 

“Propel does a really good job of developing teachers and developing administrators,” Whitfield said. “I think that background and that professional learning that they gave us helped me transition better, and I would imagine it would be very similar for her.” 

Whitfield said she will be a good addition at Baldwin, joining Assistant Principal Denise Wells to make a team of four administrators at the high school. He and Saras believe her knowledge and experience in a high school setting will be a valuable asset to Baldwin and will contribute to students feeling supported.

Bonaroti said she was impressed by “all of the work that Baldwin was doing to prepare their high school students for the world that they will go out and be a part of, really soon.” She specifically cited the Journey of a Highlander and Highlander Time, saying, “Baldwin is doing a lot of the more creative things as a district.” 

Through her experiences in different schools, Bonaroti has sometimes noticed a separation between student and adult communication. She believes that positive school culture is obvious when teachers and students have authentic interactions, which is something she admired about Baldwin.

“That was something I noticed at Baldwin,” Bonaroti said. “Everybody just seemed to be coexisting and enjoying their school day.”

Bonaroti advises students who want to succeed to find their individual paths.

“There are lots of messages in the world about what is success and what is not success,” she said. “I think coming up with your own definition of that based on what’s important to you, and the passions in your life, would be my biggest advice.”

Bonaroti looks forward to getting to know both students and teachers.

“I really want to learn the different classes, styles of different classrooms and different grade levels, get to know the kids by name, and just be a part of every school day,” Bonaroti said.

Bonaroti also expressed her excitement to be a part of the Baldwin staff and community.

“I feel like Baldwin is such an awesome community,” she said. “I know that I’ll feel like an outsider for a little bit, but I’m just really excited to get started.”