Hall-Dale Elementary School Principal Kristie Clark
Named 2021 Maine’s NAESP National Distinguished Principal
Augusta, ME – The Maine Principals’ Association (MPA) is pleased to announce that Kristie Clark, Principal at Hall- Dale Elementary School in Hallowell, has been named Maine’s NAESP National Distinguished Principal of the Year for 2021. She will be honored by the MPA at a Virtual Awards Banquet on April 29, 2021.
Mrs. Clark receives this award because of her enthusiasm and passion for her work. Her energy is palpable. She has a clear mission for Hall-Dale Elementary, “to provide every child with an equitable experience to ensure success.” Kristie’s classroom is the whole school because she has the heart of a teacher.
In announcing Mrs. Clark’s selection as 2021 Maine’s NAESP National Distinguished Principal, MPA Executive Director of the Professional Division, Dr. Holly Couturier noted, “Principal Clark is not just a principal. Educating children is who she is to the core. Her energy and enthusiasm are contagious. She is a true advocate for education.”
Mrs. Clark attended the University of Maine at Farmington where she graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in 1991. She then attended Walden University where she graduated in 2003 with a Master of Science Degree in Elementary Reading and Literacy.
She began her education career as a grades 1-2 Looping Teacher at Montello Elementary School in Lewiston. In 2011 she started her leadership journey as Assistant Principal at the Geiger Elementary School. After this she was the Director for English Language Learners for the Lewiston School Department. In 2014, Mrs. Clark was named the Principal of the James B Longley Elementary School also in Lewiston where she stayed until becoming the Principal of Hall-Dale Elementary School in 2018.
Mrs. Clark was a Teacher of the Year Nominee in 2001 and received Milken National Educator Award in 2010.
Mrs. Clark is a member of the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and Association of Supervision and Evaluation, the Maine Principals’ Association (MPA).
The Maine Principals’ Association is a professional association representing Maine’s K-12 principals, assistant principals, and career and technology center directors. The Association dates to 1921 and focuses its work on promoting the principalship, supporting principals as educational leaders, and promoting and administering interscholastic activities in grades 9-12.