At the heart of every strong school community is a leader who understands what it means to belong. For Dr. Tazghini, Fort Hamilton High School is more than just a workplace: it is, in her own words, “home.” As the new Assistant Principal of Mathematics, she steps into this role with both experience and heart.
For Dr. Tazghini, education was never meant to stay within the boundaries of a single classroom. What began as a senior-year opportunity through Teach For America quickly grew into a career shaped by purpose, leadership and a deep commitment to students.
Starting in 2012 at a small high school in downtown Brooklyn, Dr. Tazghini worked closely with diverse student populations, steadily refining her teaching while developing a broader vision for what education could be.
Over time, that vision expanded beyond one subject or discipline. With a strong foundation in both science and mathematics, she developed a passion for interdisciplinary STEM education – one that would later guide her transition into leadership. When she joined Fort Hamilton High School, she saw an opportunity not only to continue teaching but also to grow her impact across a larger community.
Although leadership was always part of her long-term goals, she approached it with intention. She first focused on becoming the kind of educator she believes every administrator should be: effective, reflective and student-centered. Through roles in coaching, curriculum development and professional learning – as well as earning her doctorate in education leadership, administration and policy – she built the foundation for her transition into administration. She also credits Principal Houlihan’s leadership as an important influence in shaping her path.
Still, stepping away from the classroom came with its challenges.
“I genuinely miss teaching AP Environmental Science,” she said, recalling the course as both dynamic and engaging. Yet in her new role, her reach has expanded far beyond a single classroom. She now supports students across all grade levels and academic pathways, bringing a holistic STEM perspective that helps connect ideas across disciplines.
That perspective is grounded in the way she approaches decision-making. Drawing on her background in science, she emphasizes inquiry, asking questions, analyzing data and refining strategies based on evidence. At the same time, her experience in mathematics allows her to think systematically about patterns, outcomes and long-term impact. Together, these approaches shape a leadership style that is both analytical and deeply student-centered.
“I prioritize decisions that are student-centered while also valuing the perspectives of all stakeholders,” she said. For Dr. Tazghini, meaningful progress comes through collaboration, with teachers and staff playing an essential role in shaping lasting change.
Looking ahead, one of her primary goals is to strengthen professional learning within the math department. Drawing from her experience as a fellow in several educational programs, she maintains that growth does not stop with students. Instead, she hopes to foster an environment where educators continuously learn from one another, whether through collaboration within the school or partnerships beyond it.
Yet for all her accomplishments, it is the smaller, more personal moments that stand out most.
One memory she recalls fondly comes from her time teaching biology, when she shared a pregnancy announcement with her students during a unit on fetal development – twice, in two different years. It was a moment when her personal and professional worlds intersected, reflecting the strong sense of connection she has built within the Fort Hamilton community.
That sense of connection is at the core of how she sees the school itself: not simply as an institution, but also as a place of belonging.
This ethos is also reflected in the advice she consistently shares with students. Rather than striving for perfection, she encourages them to focus on effort, integrity and “follow-through.”
“You don’t have to be the best at everything,” she said, “but you should always strive to do your best.”
As Dr. Tazghini steps into her new role, that message continues to resonate, shaping not only her leadership but also the community she now helps guide.
