Steven M. Sgambelluri
Embarking on his twenty second year in the field of education – the last fifteen of which have been at La Salle Institute – Mr. Sgambelluri was named Principal of La Salle on July 1, 2021.
Throughout his journey in education, Mr. Sgambelluri has worn many hats. As a History teacher at Bishop Maginn High School he taught 9th Grade World History and 12th Grade Popular History. He then moved onto The Albany Academies where he served as a 5th & 6th Grade History teacher and later served as the Associate Dean of Students for Upper School students. Along with his duties as Associate Dean of Students, he also served as the Director of Student Life and taught courses in Leadership. He arrived at La Salle Institute in 2008 as the Middle School Principal & Varsity Basketball coach.
A true "school within a school," the Middle School program, under Mr. Sgambelluri’s leadership, focused on challenging students both in and out of the classroom to reach their maximum potential. Whether it was during a Monday morning assembly, roaming the halls or meeting with students in his office, Mr. Sgambelluri belief that all students are being successful if they are giving their absolute best proved to be valuable. The Middle School routinely observed 100% student improvement academically, behaviorally, socially, spiritually and emotionally. Along with the creation of several exciting student centered programs – Mr. Sgambelluri also taught Leadership courses in the Middle School which exposed students to elements such as decision making, leadership styles, group process, public speaking, crisis communication and money management.
In 2018, Mr. Sgambelluri moved to the position of Vice Principal for Discipline & Middle School where he oversaw the disciplinary program for all grades at La Salle Institute (6-12). During that time, Mr. Sgambelluri established the Disciplinary Advisory Council, student based mentoring programs and helped coordinate the launch of Café Cadets – a coffee shop run and operated by students in the La Salle Institute Business Program. In addition, he constructed the school’s Emergency Plan, has studied student retention and served as La Salle’s COVID-19 Coordinator.
Mr. Sgambelluri also has taught Critical Thinking and Human Relations at Bryant & Stratton College.
An avid supporter of Lasallian education – Mr. Sgambelluri have traveled to workshops and seminars with Lasallian educators from all over the country - including stops in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Florida & Texas. In 2023 he began consulting work with both private and public school teachers and administrators presenting on how educators can combat and rise above job burnout. He presented to public school administrators in February 2023. His virtual session in March 2023 through Questar III BOCES sold out and his session in Orlando, Florida at the Lasallian Association of Secondary Schools Chief Administrators (LASSCA), which brought together Lasallian Principals and Presidents from around the country, was very well received. In August of 2023 – Mr. Sgambelluri visited with the faculty and staff at De La Salle Institute in Chicago to present on combating job burnout and disciplinary practices for success.
Mr. Sgambelluri is a member of the Athletic Hall of Fame at both Bishop Maginn High School & The College of Saint Rose. He served as head boys’ basketball coach at La Salle for ten seasons (2008-2018) and also coached at the collegiate level for three seasons at The College of Saint Rose (2003-2006) – a stint that was highlighted by a fourteen day trip to both Australia & Fiji in the summer of 2005.
Mr. Sgambelluri believes that the education of students is a total team effort and one that involves students, teachers, coaches, mentors, family and friends. He wants all students to give their best, take care of their school and take care of one another.