Mansfield Middle School Principal Named To Administrative Post

MANSFIELD, CT — Mansfield Middle School Principal Candace Morell has been named the school system's director of teaching and learning.

The new position was filled, then vacated when Michael Seal accepted a job as principal of Calvin Leete Elementary School in Guilford.

Morell represents a familiar face who knows the school system, Mansfield Superintendent of Schools Peter Dart said.

In letters to staff members and families, Dart said, "Candace has worked in Mansfield since 1999 as a teacher, assistant principal and principal. She is a passionate educator who understands our community, families, students, and staff. As an effective leader who advocates and supports the practices that lift up our instructional vision, she has built a positive school culture that continues to encourage innovation, leadership development, and student agency. Her leadership within the middle school and the district has broadened our understanding of student centered learning, curriculum/team planning, and the development of tasks and projects that give students voice and choice."

The new district-level position of director of teaching and learning was established this spring and is
intended to provide "continued leadership and vision in the ongoing implementation, development,
direction, review and evaluation of the district’s curriculum and instructional practices."

Dart is looking forward to its implementation.

"It is critical that we maintain our support and focus on lifting up the best practices within the district that illuminates our Board of Education’s Core Beliefs and strategic plan," he said. "In addition, the director of teaching and learning will work with district leaders and teachers to support high-quality professional learning, collaboration, and planning that will further enrich our practices that support our three key drivers — knowing students, supporting the whole child, and ensuring deep learning."

Morell has served as a public educator for more than 25 years. She is a graduate of the UConn Neag School of Education with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, Master of Science degree in Education, and a Sixth Year Diploma in Educational Leadership.

Morell was recognized as the Connecticut Association of Schools 2009 Assistant Principal of the Year and was named as a National Education Leadership Policy Fellow in 2012. She has presented at state and national conferences.

"Under Candace’s leadership our middle school has emerged as a well-recognized example of excellence throughout our state and region," Dart said. "I know that in order to fully actualize our vision for 21st Century Learning district-wide, we need leaders like Candace who understand how to best support our teachers and staff members. We are fortunate to have an experienced administrator within our district who is ready to take on this new role."

Morell has served as the principal at Mansfield Middle School since 2014.

As part of his announcement, Dart announced that a survey has been launched to begin soliciting community input about the "important qualities for consideration" in searching for a new middle school principal. Participation in the survey is open to all community members, staff, and students, and the link is posted through the district's website.