Stephen Farias named Superintendent of Demonstration Elementary and Secondary Schools at the Clerc Center 

Stephen Farias, ’05, has been appointed Superintendent of Demonstration Elementary and Secondary Schools at the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center (Clerc Center), effective immediately. 

Stephen, a graduate of Kendall Demonstration Elementary School, the Model Secondary School for the Deaf, and Gallaudet University, served as Interim Superintendent during the 2023-2024 academic year, providing leadership for both KDES and MSSD. Through a process of community input, Stephen has now been selected as the permanent Superintendent.  

Marianne Belsky, the Chief Academic Officer at the Clerc Center, says, “Stephen brings a wealth of experience to this role and a unique perspective to the position. As a graduate of both schools, he is deeply invested in them and has a passion for both the instructional program and the student experience.” 

Stephen began his educational career teaching history and English at various P-12 schools beginning in 2005 before returning to MSSD in 2012 to teach English and then history at his alma mater. In 2016, he began his administrative career as Coordinator of Teaching and Learning at KDES before moving to MSSD as their Director of Academic Programs in 2019. Stephen holds a B.A. in history from Gallaudet University and an M.S. in deaf education from McDaniel College. 

The Superintendent is responsible for the vision and operation of the Clerc Center’s two demonstration schools, KDES and MSSD. In this role, Stephen will oversee the academic leaders and the student life and athletic programs. The Superintendent reports to the Clerc Center’s Chief Academic and Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) whose primary focus is to oversee the Clerc Center’s national mission to serve schools and programs nationwide to improve the education of deaf students across the country. The Clerc Center serves the nation through its major national initiatives including: the Regional Early Acquisition of Language (REAL) project, the National State and School Partnerships initiative, its online learning hub, the Clerc Center Online Community, and the work of the Gallaudet University Regional Centers. 

“It has been an honor to watch Stephen’s journey to this position over the last ten years. His knowledge of and commitment to our schools cannot be matched, and we look forward to continued growth and success under his leadership in the years ahead,” says Nicole Sutliffe, Chief Administrative Officer at Clerc Center. 

Stephen is excited to get started, and already has a vision for the academic year ahead: “As a graduate of both KDES and MSSD, I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to continue to give back to our school community. For as long as I am able to serve as your Superintendent, I will remain committed to carrying out my vision of fostering a bilingual learning environment where every Wildcat and Eagle student thrives, achieving their fullest potential. I am eager to collaborate closely with our cherished families, dedicated teachers, and staff as we work together to empower our students to soar to new heights!” 

Please join us in congratulating Stephen on his new appointment!