Maine’s Positive PRINCIPAL Story of the Day ~ Ellen Surprenant, Somerset Elementary~
In honor of National Principals’ Month, every day in October we are going to be honoring principals. Today we are honoring Ellen Surprenant.
Ellen Surprenant, classroom teacher and special education teacher for 14 years, administrator in special education for 7 years, and a PK-4th grade building principal in RSU#19 for 8 years. Ellen has been the principal of Somerset Elementary since it opened in 2019.
Every day is different and the best part of our work is shared through small moments. Last year, I spent a fair bit of time with a fourth grader who told me that all people are “weapons”. He labeled himself “The Shield” and said that he protects everyone else even though they rarely show care for him. When I asked him if I had a label, he said, “Of course you do! You are The Pillow because you are a soft, kind landing where everyone can be safe”. Relationships really do make a difference and are the best part of being a principal.”
#NAESP #ThankAPrincipal