Ted McCarthy joins the Massachusetts Academy of Math and Science at WPI this year as Director, bringing with him over 15 years of experience in educational leadership and a deep commitment to student-centered learning. Prior to joining Mass Academy, Ted served for twelve years as Principal of Sutton High School, where he was widely recognized for fostering innovation, inclusion, and academic excellence.
Throughout his career, Ted has championed initiatives that connect classroom learning with real-world experiences. At Sutton, he launched a senior internship program with 100% student participation, developed career pathways in engineering and business, and tripled Advanced Placement enrollment. He also led efforts to create a more inclusive school culture through annual anti-bias workshops and support for student-led organizations such as robotics, DECA, and esports.
Ted’s leadership has earned both statewide and national recognition, including being named Massachusetts Principal of the Year (2021), a finalist for National Principal of the Year (2022), and recipient of the 2024 NEASC Jacob Ludes Leadership Award. Known for his empathetic and collaborative approach, Ted is excited to partner with the Mass Academy community to continue advancing excellence in STEM education.
Ted has a BA in English from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and an MA in Education from Westfield State University. He is also a runner who has completed nine marathons. When he’s not at work, Ted enjoys spending time with his family and his two dogs — Murphy and Gus.