Manse Elementary School is excited to welcome Elizabeth “Liz” Gilligan, who was appointed as the principal on November 1, 2023. With a rich background and a passion for education, Mrs. Gilligan brings a wealth of experience and a fresh vision to the school.
Reflecting on her journey to becoming an educator, Mrs. Gilligan shared, “From a young age, I aspired to become a teacher, a goal I pursued shortly after graduating high school.” However, life initially took her on a different path, leading her to a career in call center management within the banking and wireless industries. This unexpected detour enriched her customer service skills and provided opportunities to excel as an operations manager. “These experiences reinspired my passion for education, driving me to complete my degree with a strong dedication to serving children, their parents, and my community,” she explained. The diverse roles she has undertaken have given her invaluable insights into effectively supporting an elementary school and fostering a nurturing learning environment.
Mrs. Gilligan’s primary goals for Manse Elementary are centered around two key areas: Great Attendance and Great Instruction. She believes that regular attendance is crucial for students to fully benefit from opportunities for social, emotional, and academic growth. “I plan to ensure that Manse fosters a culture that is welcoming, safe, and responsive to students’ needs,” she stated. By creating an environment where students feel valued and supported, Mrs. Gilligan aims to open their hearts and minds to learning.
Building positive and supportive relationships with all staff members is another cornerstone of her approach. “This collaborative effort will enable us to continuously refine and enhance our teaching methods,” she noted. By focusing on these relationships, Mrs. Gilligan is determined to transition from good to great instruction, ultimately ensuring that every student reaches their full potential.
Describing a typical day in her role as a school administrator, Mrs. Gilligan highlighted the importance of interacting with students, staff, and parents. Her day involves morning meetings, greeting students during arrival, being present in hallways, at lunch, and dismissal, and visiting classrooms to support instruction and monitor teaching. “The most rewarding aspects include witnessing student growth, fostering a supportive school environment, and seeing students’ surprise when they recognize me in the community and realize I live outside of the Manse School walls,” she shared. While balancing various demands and addressing emerging issues can be challenging, these experiences make her role both fulfilling and impactful.
Engaging with students, parents, and the broader community is a priority for Mrs. Gilligan. She emphasizes regular communication through School Dojo, phone calls, emails, and face-to-face interactions. Working closely with teachers and meeting regularly with the Response to Intervention (RTI) team to monitor students’ progress are essential parts of her strategy. “Involving parents in regular academic reviews and seeking support from other professionals when needed helps address any obstacles affecting a student’s learning,” she explained.
Outside of her professional life, Mrs. Gilligan enjoys traveling with her husband, daughter, family, and friends during long weekends and breaks. “Traveling offers me the chance to experience different cultures, hear new languages, taste various foods, and learn from others,” she said. These experiences not only provide a refreshing break but also help her maintain a well-rounded perspective. To balance work demands, she prioritizes activities like reading for pleasure, playing cards and games with her husband, and walking her dogs.
Mrs. Gilligan’s diverse background enables her to support students in developing skills for the workforce and pursuing their passions. She aims to make their time at Manse Elementary memorable, instilling a sense of belonging and confidence to achieve their aspirations. “I want students, parents, and the community to know that I am dedicated to making Manse Elementary a place where every student feels valued and supported,” she affirmed.
With her unique blend of experience, dedication, and vision, Mrs. Elizabeth Gilligan is set to lead Manse Elementary School towards a bright and successful future.
