By Lisa Tetreault-Zhe
Hampton Union, September 16, 2014
[The following article is courtesy of the Hampton Union and Seacoast Online.]
HAMPTON — Teresa Morin Bailey's new role as principal of Sacred Heart School is a win-win situation.
"I love being here at Sacred Heart School," said Morin Bailey. "It's a great way to align education and the ministry. The transition has been very easy. The staff has been tremendously supportive. I've been welcomed by both students and their families."
Morin Bailey took over at the start of the school year as principal of the school which has 180 students in preschool through grade eight.
She has 25 years of experience in education, but this is her first Catholic school.
"My religion was important to me growing up, and I did go to Catholic elementary school," she said. "I had a wonderful mentor in Sister Lucille Canton at Notre Dame College (in Manchester). She was instrumental in my career choices. When I was growing up, my religion was very important to me."
According to Morin Bailey, the most rewarding aspect of being a principal is spending time with her students.
"I've been spending a lot of time in the classrooms," she explained. "I think it's very important that the students see me, that I'm a visible part of their school."
One challenge that she's eager to take on for the first time is the accreditation process. This year SHS is up for accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
"There are 15 standards we'll be judged on," Morin Bailey said. "It's a great process to look at our school and see things that are taking place and are successful, and to look at ways in which we can improve."
The process started last winter and will be finished in April 2105, culminating with a three-day visit by the accreditation board.
Morin Bailey said she's appreciative of the parental involvement at SHS.
"There's an excellent parent partnership component," Morin Bailey said. "They offer so many hours of volunteering to support both their students and the teachers. I've had many parents reach out to me to let me know how they'd like to help our school."
In addition, Morin Bailey said she's also proud of the school's code of conduct.
"There are five keys to student success," she said. "All of our students abide by these. Safety, courtesy, respect, responsibility and faith. These combined teach them to develop personal responsibility, social awareness and respect for others."
Morin Bailey holds a bachelor's degree in social work from the University of New Hampshire, as well as two master's degrees from College of Notre Dame (Manchester) in education and administration and supervision. She also will teach hybrid online education courses at Granite State College this fall. She'd taught for three years as an adjunct professor at New England College (Dover branch).