East Hartford Announces New Principal of Woodland School
It is with great pride that East Hartford Public Schools introduces the new principal of Woodland School, Licia McKnight.
The East Hartford Board of Education unanimously approved the administration’s recommendation of Ms. McKnight in November. She will begin her role on January 3.
An experienced special education administrator and teacher, McKnight joins East Hartford from Norwalk Public Schools where she worked as a Supervisor of Special Education. She previously spent nearly a decade in New Haven Public Schools working with students and colleagues in multiple roles.
Woodland School is a small, therapeutic, special education program within the East Hartford Public Schools district with a focus on academic, social, emotional and behavioral growth. District leadership believes McKnight’s professional and interpersonal qualifications will allow her to excel as Principal.
“These are the students that are nearest and dearest to my heart, the children that are often misunderstood and labeled as ‘bad kids’ because of the behaviors they are exhibiting. I see past that. I see a child that is struggling and needs additional support. They can't do it on their own,” said McKnight.
“Our students will always come first and be at the center of everything that we do at Woodland. It’s always about their growth, preparing them for what lies ahead in the future, and giving them the skills that they need to be successful at whatever it is that they want to do," she said.
McKnight began her career in corporate America before realizing her true calling in life was helping and serving others. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Master’s degree in Childhood Education from Mercy College. She went on to earn her Educational Administration certification from UConn.
East Hartford Public Schools Superintendent Nathan Quesnel said, “Beyond the deep professional qualifications and skills that Licia brings to our team, I was most impressed with her strength of character, depth of empathy, and steely belief in the power of self-efficacy. As we got to know Licia throughout the search process, this resolve, relatability, maturity and commitment to kids matched our priorities for the needs of our school. We were thrilled to be able to attract Licia to our district.”