Longtime East Hartford educator and leader Michelle Marion is the new principal at the Connecticut IB Academy (CIBA). On February 6, the East Hartford Board of Education unanimously moved to appoint her to the position effective immediately. She has served as interim principal since April.
Marion said, “As an educator in the East Hartford school district for the last 25 years, I am excited for the opportunity to continue as principal in the diverse and unique school community at the Connecticut IB Academy.”
Marion first came to East Hartford as a student teacher in 1998 while completing her Bachelor’s Degree in History at Keene State College. She went on to serve in multiple roles at East Hartford High School including Social Studies Teacher, Assistant Principal, Scheduler and First Assistant Principal. She received her Master’s in Educational Leadership and Sixth Year Certification (092) from Central Connecticut State University. A lifelong learner, Marion has since pursued multiple opportunities ranging from Harvard’s Leadership Series on Redesigning High Schools to more recent trainings through the College Board, RISE and PowerSchool. In 2011, Marion was recognized by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) as the State Assistant Principal of the Year.
“Michelle Marion is the definition of what we aspire for in an East Hartford educator. Her consummate ‘students first, second and always’ attitude deeply reflects the values and beliefs of our community. I have always admired her unyielding will, her unmatched work ethic and her unending commitment to the team,” said East Hartford Superintendent Dr. Nathan Quesnel. “She has been a major partner in our shared work to build a culture of high expectations for our schools and it is inspiring to see her step into this well-earned leadership position.”
CIBA, an International Baccalaureate World School, was ranked the #2 high school in Connecticut in 2022 by U.S. News and World Report. A public magnet school, CIBA serves students from East Hartford and the greater Hartford region.