Veteran local educator returns to Fall River Public Schools to lead Spencer Borden Elementary School

Fall River Public Schools has announced the appointment of the new Principal of Spencer Borden Elementary School.

FRPS called Rebecca Woodcock a respected educator and school leader with more than 27 years of experience in public education, most recently serving as Assistant Principal at North Elementary School in Somerset.

Woodcock is no stranger to Fall River. Before joining Somerset Public Schools in 2020, she spent 14 years serving students and families in Fall River Public Schools as a teacher at the John J. Doran Community and the Frank M. Silvia Elementary Schools. During that time, she played a key role in advancing social-emotional learning initiatives, supporting instructional improvement, and helping students achieve academic success. She also worked as a teacher in Lowell, MA.

“We are thrilled to welcome Rebecca back to Fall River Public Schools,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Smith. “Rebecca’s knowledge of early childhood and elementary education was evident throughout the interview process. Her strong background in special education, social-emotional learning, instructional leadership, and family engagement makes her an excellent fit for Spencer Borden Elementary School. We are confident that the Spencer Borden community will warmly welcome her and that she will build upon the school’s strong tradition of supporting students and families.”

A former Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and Autism Specialist, Woodcock is excited to return to the district where she spent a significant part of her career. “I am thrilled to return to Fall River Public Schools as Principal of Spencer Borden Elementary School,” said Woodcock. “I truly love working with elementary-aged students. I’m excited to meet all the students, families, staff, and community partners to begin working together to build upon all the successes that Spencer Borden has achieved. I am fortunate to have received the opportunity to join this educational team, and I know we will make great strides together.”

Woodcock holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Master of Education degree from Cambridge College. She is licensed as a Principal/Assistant Principal PreK-8, Elementary Teacher, and Special Needs educator and holds a Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) Endorsement.

Outside of work, Woodcock loves spending time with her husband, daughter, son, dog, and friends. She says she enjoys traveling, meeting new people, and hiking in the New Hampshire mountains.

Woodcock will officially begin her role as Principal of Spencer Borden Elementary School in July 2026