Manchester High School English teacher Kelly Shea, described by a colleague as a “rock star,” has been named district teacher of the year.

Following a national search, Sterling College has appointed Yvette McDonnell as its dean of community and work. In her new role, McDonnell will oversee a broad range of programs and services that support the well-being and holistic education of Sterling College students.

Kristi Carriero has been named Assistant Principal of New Canaan High School. She will begin her new position on July 1.

The Milford Board of Education appointed seasoned educator Anna Cutaia as superintendent of schools. Cutaia, superintendent of schools for Regional District 14, which encompasses Bethlehem and Woodbury, and former director of elementary education in Fairfield, will take the reins of the city’s school system around Aug. 1.

Del Siegle, professor and associate dean for research and faculty affairs at UConn’s Neag School of Education is interviewed about his career and expertise in gifted education by National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) member and Neag School alum Carla Brigandi ’15 Ph.D., now assistant professor of gifted education at West Virginia University.

Following an extensive search, the Westport Public Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Tina Mannarino as an Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services. She will officially start the position July 1.

Neag School alumna Megan Baker ’12 6th Year, a graduate of the UConn Administrator Preparation Program (UCAPP), has served since 2015 as principal of Tourtellotte Memorial High School, a public high school in the Thompson (Conn.) school district with 251 students in Grades 9 to 12. Prior to that, Baker was curriculum director for pre-K to Grade 12 and part-time assistant principal at Tourtellotte. Baker is also a member of the Neag School Alumni Board. In this special photo essay, photographer Cat Boyce shadowed Baker earlier this spring in order to offer a glimpse into a typical day in the life of Baker and her role in principalship.

The superintendent named new principals for Manchester High School and Illing Middle School, both familiar faces. Katelyn Miner, who has been serving as the high school’s interim principal since August, was appointed to the permanent position, Superintendent Matt Geary wrote in a letter.

Congratulations to our Neag School alumni, faculty, staff, and students on their continued accomplishments inside and outside the classroom. If you have an accolade to share, we want to hear from you! Please send any news items and story ideas to neag-communications@uconn.edu.

The Neag School of Education’s Class of 2018 graduates and their guests joined faculty, staff, and administrators this past weekend in celebration of Commencement Weekend on the UConn Storrs campus.