Teresa Smith became the New Albany Primary School Principal in the summer of 2015. Her focus is to maximize learning for every child, every day through staff support and being a visible presence in the Primary Building.

Prior to her arrival in New Albany, Mrs. Smith served as the principal of Herbert Mills Elementary School in Reynoldsburg. As principal, Teresa led the redesign of the school, from a neighborhood elementary to the district's second STEM elementary school. During her three years as principal, the school focused on blended learning, problem-based learning, innovation and design challenges.

Prior to becoming a principal, Teresa taught third grade for seven years in the Reynoldsburg City School District. She has extensive knowledge of early literacy and has led her building in improving literacy instructional strategies. Teresa also has worked to improve the school culture and climate in her current school, as well as leading with a focus on data. Prior to entering the field of education, Teresa worked in banking, serving as a branch manager.

Mrs. Smith holds a Masters of Art in Teaching and Learning from Nova Southeastern University and a Bachelors of Science in Education from Otterbein College. She received her Administrative licensure from The Ohio State University. Teresa resides in Etna with her husband Steven. They have two children, Christopher and Andrew and are grandparents to Christian, Laila and Harper. 

Dr. Peterson is beginning her 23rd year in education. She began her career in the Groveport Madison Local Schools, where she taught K-5th grade Visual Art for seven years. In 2005, Dr. Peterson came to New Albany Plain Local Schools and served as a 6-8 middle school Visual Art teacher for 10 years. She transitioned to a building leadership role in 2015 where she served as Dean of Students for the elementary and middle schools, and Assistant Principal for the middle school.  This year she will serve as an Assistant Principal for the primary school.

Dr. Peterson is a committed instructional leader who is dedicated to building strong relationships with students, staff, and parents. She seeks to increase student achievement and growth for every student, and share her knowledge of content area literacy and integrated curriculum. She is strongly focused on building school culture and developing the social-emotional need of students.

Dr. Peterson holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Visual Art and Education from Otterbein University, and a Master of Arts Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Ohio Dominican University.  In 2015, she graduated from Concordia University with a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership.

Dr. Peterson is joined in the New Albany Plain Local School District by her husband Todd, who serves as the high school Athletic Trainer. She has two daughters; Emma is a recent graduate of New Albany High School, and will start at Columbus State in the fall.  Maggie is currently a junior at the high school.

Mrs. Colleen Masters joined New Albany Primary School as Assistant Principal in the summer of 2023.

Mrs. Masters brings a strong background in educational administration and knowledge of best practices as she joins the New Albany-Plain Local School District. She currently serves as the assistant principal at Sedalia Elementary School in the Groveport Madison school district. 

Before becoming an assistant principal two years ago, Mrs. Masters taught for nine years as an intervention specialist and elementary classroom teacher.  Her leadership skills and professional experience will be an extraordinary addition to the New Albany Primary School.  

Mrs. Masters earned her master’s degree from The Ohio State University and her bachelor’s degree from Wittenberg University. Mrs. Masters and her husband, Cody live in Granville with their two children.