Susan North received the Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award two years ago for her work at Old Mill Pond.
Susan A. NorthPALMER – Old Mill Pond Elementary School first grade teacher Susan A. North has been named Converse Middle School’s new assistant principal.
Superintendent Gerald A. Fournier said North will bring “strong educational abilities and leadership skills” to the position. He called her “enthusiastic, confident, determined” and said she has an outstanding work ethic and excellent organizational skills.
The appointment is effective July 1.
North, 43, replaces Jacqueline A. Haley, who is the new principal of Old Mill Pond Elementary School.
North began working at Old Mill Pond 17 years ago, and also taught third and fourth grades. She loves being a classroom teacher, but she said she is ready for a new challenge.
“I’m very lucky to have the opportunity to do it,” North said on Tuesday.
She said is in the process of obtaining her master’s degree from the University of New England in leadership and administration.
North, who said she is very active in the community, said that will help her in her dealings with students. She has been involved with the elementary and middle school parent-teacher-organizations, and also is the president of the private Palmer Stripers Swim Team.
Along with Palmer school district nurse supervisor Mary Ellen Blanchette, North was instrumental in keeping the high school pool open; they led a fundraising effort to spare it from a budget cut.
Two years ago, North also received a Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award.
Said Fournier, “She has a focus on the needs of learning for all students, the ability to see the big picture and achieve consensus. Her background and eagerness will serve Converse Middle School and the Palmer Public Schools very well.”
North, who is married to Police Sgt. Rodney A. North, has two children – Brittany, a sixth-grader at the middle school, and Nicholas, a high school senior.
She said she will miss the staff and students at Old Mill Pond Elementary School.
Fournier said there were 12 applicants for the position, and six people were interviewed.