Maine School Management Association

Shanna Crofton considers herself very lucky to serve in the role of Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning at Yarmouth Public Schools -- it allows her to work hand-in-hand with teachers, administrators, and in the classroom with students.

Crofton says it's immensely rewarding work - particularly in a district that's genuinely collaborative and focused on the best interest of kids.

"Everybody is genuinely willing to work their hardest. So I think kids all walk in with a different story. But they all come into a place where people embrace them. And they are bringing their best selves. And that's something I genuinely appreciate. And what that does is foster innovation."

Learn more about all of Maine's new school leaders at: www.msmaweb.com/o/mssa

Whether as a teacher, principal, or administrator, Regional School Unit #3 Assistant Superintendent Erica Gower has always been inspired at watching students' growth -- a moment that can bring together an entire school community.

"Those moments when kids see their own growth. And you can just see the look of them being so proud. And as an administrator, that, but also seeing a teacher who has worked hard to identify, what does a student need? Then really watching them be proud when they see that student grow. It sounds kind of silly, but it really is those small moments that I think are what keep me engaged in education."

Learn more about all of Maine's new school leaders at: www.msmaweb.com/o/mssa

Thomas Ambrose, the new interim superintendent in RSU 40, has already been impressed at the caring school staff -- and hopes to do more to promote that positive energy moving forward.

"I love to see the teachers thriving and happy and successful. I love to work with teachers and see them doing great work with kids. And I love to see them engaged with professional learning, and having conversations about problem solving, and working together to make the community better."

Learn more about Dr. Ambrose and all of Maine's new superintendents at www.msmaweb.com/o/mssa

RSU 63 Superintendent Sheila Caldwell came into the profession late -- after a career selling cosmetics -- but she has found a real calling in the way that schools and communities can bring people together.

"I think more and more now, we need to recognize our neighbors, and recognize the importance of education, and show our students what is really, truly important about community and kindness and compassion and learning."

Learn more about all of Maine's new school leaders at msmaweb.com/o/mssa

RSU 5 Assistant Superintendent Erica Mazzeo: "And it's pretty incredible, it actually has brought the community together quite a bit. And for myself and [New RSU 5 Superintendent Tom Gray], being new leaders, it feels almost serendipitous that we get to start strategic planning with our new communities."

Learn more about all of Maine's new school leaders! Head to: www.msmaweb.com/o/mssa

"Really, it comes down to supporting students. And in turn, supporting our communities. It's awesome to think every day I get to go to work and have some sort of influence, in a positive way, in somebody's life, so they can be whoever they want to be as they move forward."

Education has been a lifelong passion for RSU 4 Superintendent Marco Aliberti. In his new role, he hopes to bring positive energy -- and to work with the community to design a new strategic plan for the district. Learn more in the video below!

RSU 5 Superintendent Tom Gray was brought into the education world by chance: a family member called to see if he was interested in a job as a 1:1 aide. But as soon as Gray entered the classroom, he realized education was the right fit for him.

"It's a really forward-thinking district. It's a district that really invests in itself and in education. It has a lot of forward-thinking board members who really see themselves, and are, champions of education. And that's a really good fit for me."

Learn more about Tom and all of Maine's new school leaders at www.msmaweb.com/o/mssa

Last week, we launched a new video series highlighting all of Maine's newest school leaders and what led them into education. Today, we're featuring Nicole Case, the new superintendent of AOS 96 in the Machias region.

"I'm really proud of our efforts to maintain local control while maximizing the opportunities of working together with a central office. There are some really unique challenges that are really well-suited to the unique independence of Downeast Maine."

Thank you, Nicole!