New Octorara Primary Learning Center principal Angela Regrut feels like she is right where she belongs.

Having bounced back and forth from working in school administration to being a special education teacher, the New Jersey native feels like Octorara is the perfect place to combine her skills into one position.

"I (had) been (at Radnor) for the last five years, working with the wonderful teachers and people there, and then decided that it was time to come back into administration," she said. "Working with the teachers as their coach got me back into that flow again, and then this opportunity at Octorara popped up, and I jumped all over it."

Regrut brings decades of experience as an elementary and middle school teacher, instructional coach, multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) facilitator and special education teacher to Octorara, where she is beginning her role with the start of the new school year.

She had previously worked for 10 years in New Jersey as a teacher and for five years as an administrator in North Carolina. More locally, she also worked in Upper Merion Area School District, Radnor Township School District and Susquehanna Township School District.

"I have a really fond love for our littles," she said. "I love K-5, but K-2 is really where my heart and passion is, working with them."

Despite being from New Jersey, all three of her postsecondary degrees were obtained in the commonwealth. She holds a bachelor's degree in special education from Bloomsburg University; a master's degree in educational leadership and special education supervision from Saint Joseph's University; and a doctorate in education leadership with a concentration in curriculum, instruction and assessment from Cabrini University.

In her first few months in Chester County, Regrut said that she can already feel the spirit and community-oriented ways of the Octorara family.

"Over the summer, I got the opportunity to interview and went through several rounds. ... Just by talking with (the teachers), I could sense a true passion that they have for not just their jobs, but for the children here in this district and the families that they work with," she said. "I kept saying, 'this is where I want to be.' If they offered it to me, I knew this is definitely where I wanted to be."

In a letter to the school community, Regrut wrote, "As I begin my time at PLC, my first priority is getting to know our students, families, staff, and community. I look forward to listening, learning, and building relationships while honoring the traditions and strengths that make Octorara such a special place. Together, we will continue to foster a welcoming environment where every child feels a true sense of belonging and is empowered to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, being outdoors, and appreciate opportunities to be active in the community. I look forward to meeting many of you at school events, family activities, and throughout the school year."

Relevant to her special education background, Regrut emphasized the importance of inclusivity and making sure that every student knows they belong at Octorara. Her dissertation for her doctorate was on the relationship between teachers and special education teachers and how they handle conflict and communication.

"I'm very open and transparent," she said. "I believe that's very important. ... My door is always open, and I'm always welcome to feedback."