Candace Morell
Summary
- Talented instructional leader with experience in Pk-8 schools.
- Committed to the development of strong relationships through a focus on improved communication systems for all stakeholders
- Trained practitioner in conversations around equity and inclusion necessary for student success
- Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Teaching & Learning
Mansfield Public Schools
07.2022 - Current
- Instructional Leader responsible for program development, achievement.
- Oversees curriculum design process to ensure alignment with state standards and best practices in education.
- Supervise and evaluate school and department administration.
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Worked closely with organizational leadership operational strategy focused on curriculum development, professional learning and the work of the district development plan.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering certified and non- certified staff to voice their ideas.
- Lead district Teacher Leader Team, focused on growing the capacity of our talent pool.
- Broadened and strengthened strategic partnerships that focused on supporting the work of the district.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Oversight of the transportation system ensuring efficient runs, clear communication with families and onboarded Safe School App as primary tool.
- Provide oversight for operations, magnet, and grants budgets in excess of $500,000
Principal
Mansfield Middle School
07.2014 - 06.2022
- Responsible for all aspects of school management and leadership including development of yearly School Development Plan and implementation of standards-led curriculum for a school of 575 students in grades 5-8
- Defined a building based professional learning structure focused on growing teacher capacity in the implementation of student-centered learning practices
- Defined structures that strengthen shared-decision making and promotes an equitable learning environment for all students and staff
- Fostered a positive learning environment by promoting open communication among staff, students, and parents.
- Managed budgets and resources efficiently to ensure optimal allocation of funds for school programs and initiatives.
- Cultivated positive relationships between community members, school students, and teachers.
- Led school improvement efforts by setting clear expectations for staff performance and providing regular feedback on progress towards goals.
- Increased teacher effectiveness through comprehensive coaching, professional development opportunities, and mentorship programs.
- Implemented innovative approaches to teaching and learning that improved student engagement and achievement levels.
- Collaborated with the Parent-Teacher Association to address parent concerns and foster a supportive community for student success.
- Monitored and evaluated educational programs to maintain high-quality performance objectives and standards.
Assistant Principal
Mansfield Middle School
02.2005 - 06.2014
- Partnered with principal to administer school program in alignment with vision and goals, providing positive, high-expectation academic environment.
- Worked in a collegial and collaborative manner with administrator, school personnel, parents and the community to promote and support the mission and goals of the school and district for providing student success
- Identified, analyzed and resolved problems using effective problem-solving techniques
- Built and maintained positive relationships with diverse stakeholders, such as parents, school volunteers and outside agencies.
- Maintained effective discipline and fosters a safe and positive learning environment in collaboration with faculty and staff
- Provided professional development in alignment with school and district initiatives. Created a 2.5 hour professional development schedule that enables teachers to meet cross grade level weekly for professional development purposes
- Supported curriculum and instruction by participating in classroom observations, attending grade level meetings and supporting grade level planning
- Collaborated with school counselors and the Youth Services Bureau to develop programming that supports students' social, emotional and academic development
Interim Assistant Principal
Mansfield Middle School
08.2004 - 02.2005
- Partnered with principal to administer school program in alignment with vision and goals, providing positive, high-expectation academic environment.
- Collaborated with staff in the development of effective discipline programs the meet the diverse needs of students
- Supported a positive school culture by addressing student behavior concerns promptly and effectively.
- Collaborated with different entities (transportation, nursing) to develop a more efficient means of documenting and communicating.
- Organized and developed a series of new staff induction meetings
- Communicated facilities and maintenance needs with town maintenance director.
6th Grade Teacher
Mansfield Middle School
07.1999 - 01.2004
- Delivered instruction in a heterogeneous classroom environment using student centered instruction that blended traditional teaching methods with innovative cooperative learning experiences, inquiry-based learning activities and individual challenge projects
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Served as the curriculum convener for the science curriculum council
- Participated in professional development workshops to stay current on educational trends and enhance teaching skills.
6th Grade Teacher
Windham Middle School
08.1997 - 06.1999
- Increased student engagement by incorporating hands-on activities and group projects into lesson plans.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Participated in professional development workshops to stay current on educational trends and enhance teaching skills.
Education
Superintendent Certification (093) - Executive Leadership Program
Central Connecticut State University
New Britain, CT05.2024
Educational Leadership (UCAPP) - Educational Leadership
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT05.2005
Master of Science - Elementary Education
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT05.1997
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT05.1996
Skills
- Strategic Planning
- Operations Management
- Creativity and Innovation
- Organizational Development
- Partnerships and Alliances
Certification
- Professional Educator,
- Intermediate Administrator (092)
- K – 6 Elementary Education (013)
Accomplishments
- Connecticut Association of Schools 2009 Assistant Principal of the Year
- National Educational Leadership Policy Fellow 2012
Related Experience
- Connecticut Association of Schools, Professional Studies Committee, 2012, 2014
- Presenter at Ed Leader 21 Conference, 2017, Unknown
- Ed Leader 21- 4 Cs Leadership Academy Member, 2018, Unknown
- Great Schools Partnership, Presenter at the SRIA Conference 2024
References
- Peter Dart, Superintendent, Mansfield Public Schools, 4 South Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT, 06268, (860)429-3383, dartp@mansfieldct.org
- Jaime Russell, Technology Coordinator, Mansfield Public Schools, 4 South Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT, 06268, (860)429-3383, russelljl@mansfieldct.org
- Larry Barlow, Principal, Mansfield Middle School, 205 Spring Hill Rd, Mansfield, CT, 06268, Unknown, barlowlw@mansfieldct.org
Certification
Connecticut Superintendent Certificate (093)
Connecticut Intermediate Administrator Certificate (092)
Connecticut Professional Educator: Elementary (305)
Timeline
Director of Teaching & Learning
Mansfield Public Schools
07.2022 - Current
Principal
Mansfield Middle School
07.2014 - 06.2022
Assistant Principal
Mansfield Middle School
02.2005 - 06.2014
Interim Assistant Principal
Mansfield Middle School
08.2004 - 02.2005
6th Grade Teacher
Mansfield Middle School
07.1999 - 01.2004
6th Grade Teacher
Windham Middle School
08.1997 - 06.1999
Superintendent Certification (093) - Executive Leadership Program
Central Connecticut State University
Educational Leadership (UCAPP) - Educational Leadership
University of Connecticut
Master of Science - Elementary Education
University of Connecticut
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
University of Connecticut
- Professional Educator,
- Intermediate Administrator (092)
- K – 6 Elementary Education (013)
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