Baldwin UFSD Welcomes New Fine and Performing Arts Director

The Baldwin Union Free School District is pleased to welcome Tara Cocheo as the new Director of Fine and Performing Arts. She joins Baldwin with fourteen years of experience as an educator and leader, having worked with students across all grade levels and serving in a variety of instructional and leadership capacities.

Most recently, Ms. Cocheo served as the lead teacher for the Farmingdale School District’s Music Department. There, she spearheaded a comprehensive overhaul of the K-12 music curricula and collaborated closely with teachers and administrators to enhance programming and align instruction with the New York State Learning Standards for the arts. She brings to Baldwin UFSD a robust background in curriculum development, instructional leadership, professional development, and advocacy for the arts. Her leadership experience also includes serving as the Nassau Secondary Vice President of the Long Island String Festival Association, a NYSSMA Festival Chairperson, and a member of Farmingdale’s Professional Development Program/APPR Committee. Additionally, she has actively mentored new teachers, coordinated large-scale student festivals and performances, and advocated for increased opportunities and resources in the fine and performing arts.

Ms. Cocheo holds a postgraduate certificate in educational leadership from Stony Brook University, a Master of Science in music education from Queens College and a Bachelor of Arts in music education from SUNY Fredonia. She also holds New York state certifications as a school district leader, school building leader and K-12 music educator.

Excited to bring her passion for the arts, collaborative leadership style, and dedication to instructional excellence to the Baldwin community, Ms. Cocheo looks forward to collaborating with teachers, administrators, students, and families to build upon the district’s proud tradition of excellence in the fine and performing arts while creating new opportunities that will allow Baldwin learners to grow and excel as artists and musicians.