- Zoos: A Historical Perspective from Smithsonian Institution Libraries
The National Zoological Park is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.
AZA
Joseph M. Sacco, Associate Director for Education
Education
Joseph M. Sacco became the National Zoo's Associate Director for Education in January 2009. Sacco oversees all public education programs at the Zoo, including public demonstrations, curriculum enrichment for K-12 students, teacher workshops, community outreach, and distance learning initiatives held throughout the year at both the Zoo and its Conservation and Research Center in Front Royal, Virginia. Sacco is employed by Friends of the National Zoo, the nonprofit partner of the Zoo.
Sacco came to the Zoo with a wealth of education experience, previously teaching science, writing curricula, counseling students, and leading graduate courses in team building and group dynamics. Sacco, a top principal in the Montgomery County Public School system, most recently served as principal of Lakelands Park Middle School in Gaithersburg, Maryland. He played a key role in the planning and opening of the school in 2005.
Sacco has long excelled at guiding young scientists and conservationists. He started a “Community Ecology and Technology Academy” at John Poole Middle School in 1997, which led to the school’s recognition as a Maryland “Green School.”
Sacco, a native of New York, holds a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Cornell University and a master’s degree in education and human development from George Washington University.
