Alumna Credits The School of Education for Success in School Administrator Role

The Institute for Catholic Schools (ICS), a unit within the St. John’s University School of Education, serves as a resource for Catholic P-12 education partners throughout the New York City metro area. As part of its work, ICS administers the Catholic School Teacher Scholarship to provide educators in Catholic schools with a more affordable means to pursue graduate degrees or advanced certificates.

As a result of this scholarship, alumni from The School of Education continue to expand their leadership roles in local Catholic schools. Below, Ellie Siwicki ’25GEd, Assistant Principal of The Mary Louis Academy Middle School (TMLA) and a recent alumna, discusses how her St. John’s University education was key to her success.

You were recently named the inaugural Assistant Principal of TMLA Middle School. What will your role entail?

I will ensure that The Mary Louis Academy Middle School is ready to open on September 3. This includes hiring teachers, designing classrooms, purchasing curriculum, creating student and teacher handbooks, and recruiting more students. Once these responsibilities are complete, it will be my job to meet with middle school teachers to discuss instruction and assessments, create professional development sessions, monitor student behavior and discipline, and create a calendar of community building events—essentially, everything at TMLA Middle School is my responsibility!

How did The School of Education prepare you for this role?

Without the School of Education, I would not have this job. Completion of the M.S.Ed in School Building Leadership (SBL) degree program was a must, as well as SBL certification (which I am taking on June 23). My professors also made me realize the value of communication, building trusting relationships, and creating inclusive communities where families feel as though they are wanted and belong.

My internship and capstone courses were especially helpful. The internship course provided me with the opportunity to work closely with the principal of The Mary Louis Academy, St. John’s alumna Loriann Murphy ‘93C, ‘94G, ‘12GEd, to get a glimpse into the life of a school building leader. I was able to assist with several tasks, including creating our school’s new schedule and leading a professional development session on students’ love of learning and motivation. My capstone class provided me with an excellent overview of the SBL certification exam, including practice questions that I will see on June 23.

What kind of impact would you like to have at The Mary Louis Academy Middle School?

My goal is to create an academically rigorous, yet welcoming, learning environment for all students. We know that a significant amount of learning has been lost due to the pandemic. Even five years later, we still deal with this impact.

The TMLA Middle School aims to address this loss and more; we will start with the basics to ensure that our students have the strongest foundational toolkit of knowledge. TMLA Middle School students will be set up for success, and will flourish at TMLA High School when the time comes. TMLA Middle School students will also take three New York State Regents Examinations in eighth grade, allowing for more advanced and elective courses to be taken once they get to high school.

What ethos will you bring to this role?

I have worked at The Mary Louis Academy since the 2018–19 school year. Within those seven years, I have taught every grade within the social studies department. I have served as moderator of the Writing Club, Social Justice Club, and Eastern European Club. I have participated on our faculty’s Social Justice Committee and Middle States Accreditation Committee. I coached junior varsity and varsity badminton from 2021 to 2024. I have also served as Coordinator of the Service, Learning, and Leadership program since 2021. I graduated from Manhattan College (now University) in 2018, double majoring in Adolescent Education Social Studies 7–12 and History. I graduated from Pace University with an M.A. in American History in 2022. I am wrapping up my last class at St. John’s this month, and will finish with an M.S.Ed in School Building Leadership. I have a professional certification from New York State in Adolescent Education 7–12 Social Studies. I am sitting for the New York State School Building Leadership certification exam on June 23.

What advice would you give to current teachers aspiring to the role of assistant principal?

Take advantage of all leadership opportunities that come your way in your existing school. This is the best way to build your résumé and to get hands-on experience. If an opportunity doesn’t currently exist, speak to your administrators about creating a position. This shows determination, dedication, and a willingness to do the hard work that is necessary for school building leaders.

What’s next for Ellie Siwicki?

Spreading the word about The Mary Louis Academy Middle School and recruiting more students! Interested families can contact me directly at [email protected]. The Mary Louis Academy has a long-standing relationship with St. John’s University; we hope to begin cultivating that relationship at an even earlier age with our middle school students.