Aiken County Public Schools is pleased to announce Redcliffe Elementary teacher and the school district’s 2020-21 Teacher of the Year, Misty McConnell, as the new assistant principal at Oakwood-Windsor Elementary School.
Aiken County Board of Education members approved McConnell’s appointment as the new assistant principal at Oakwood-Windsor Elementary School for the 2021-22 school year during the school board’s June 15 special called meeting.
“This is such an honor,” stated McConnell. “I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to serve the students, teachers, and community of the Oakwood-Windsor area.”
McConnell was attracted to the opportunity by a desire to support a larger number of students and staff as an administrator, and she felt Oakwood-Windsor Elementary was a perfect fit.
“I’ve been an educator for eight years and worked with approximately twenty-four students every day, each year,” commented McConnell. “As I began to take on more leadership roles I realized the impact administrators have on students is incredible. I knew I wanted the opportunity to work and support teachers so I could then have a greater impact on more students.”
“When I visited Oakwood-Windsor Elementary, I could tell that the administrators, faculty, staff, and students were a big family with one vision in mind,” added McConnell. I wanted to be a part of the amazing things happening there, and I’m so excited to be part of the wise owl family.”
McConnell’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Carolina Aiken and a Masters of Education in Educational Administration from the University of South Carolina Columbia. She also holds a gifted and talented certification from the University of South Carolina Aiken.
McConnell currently serves at Redcliffe Elementary as a gifted and talented teacher in the third grade. She previously taught Mathematics, Science, Reading, and Social Studies at Redcliffe Elementary. McConnell began her career in education as a long-term substitute teacher at Warrenville Elementary School.
She says working with others in a collaborative space is something she both excels in professionally and personally enjoys.
“I love getting to know new people,” stated McConnell. “I’ve had many opportunities to coach, mentor, and evaluate teachers, and I've also participated in teams, both at my school and at the district level. I love being a part of a team, helping develop new ideas, and learning from other amazing educators.”
Prior to the start of the 2021-22 school year, McConnell says her focus will be on building new relationships with the Oakwood-Windsor Elementary family and community.
“I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone in the community and building strong relationships with the students, teachers, and parents,” commented McConnell. “I want our students to feel loved and grow as learners every day they are with us.”
McConnell will begin her duties as Oakwood-Windsor Elementary School assistant principal in July.
LINK TO DISTRICT PRESS RELEASE: 2021 PR OAKWOOD-WINDSOR AP