The Great Schools Partnership (GSP) is pleased to share that we have promoted Katie Thompson to be our new Associate Director of Learning and Strategy and hired Paulina Murton as our new Associate Director of Engagement and Networking.
Katie Thompson recently served as one of GSP’s co-directors of coaching having coached schools and supported staff at GSP for 8 years. In this role, Katie has worked with schools across New England and currently leads GSP’s efforts in the State of Washington. She is deeply knowledgeable regarding instructional practice and the art of school coaching and received her doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Maine this spring. Prior to her notable work at GSP, Katie was a high school science teacher. “I am excited to continue to learn, grow, and think critically about complex educational challenges as part of an organization that truly cares about making a difference with educators, students, and families,” noted Katie. (Don’t miss our interview with Katie!)
Paulina Murton comes to GSP after ten years working for several regional affiliates of the national Breakthrough Program. Most recently, Paulina served as managing director, curriculum and instruction, for Breakthrough Greater Boston. This role has enabled Paulina to understand how to best support deeper student learning and the many nuances of instructional practice that ensure this. Paulina taught high school English before her numerous roles with the Breakthrough program. “I am thrilled to join an organization like GSP that so deeply values educational equity and works in collaboration with students, families, schools, and communities in service of just and strong outcomes for all students,” added Paulina. (Don’t miss our interview with Paulina!)
GSP is also sad but very appreciative to recognize the retirement of our current associate director, Mark Kostin. Mark has been with GSP since our founding 15 years ago and has served as the associate director for the last 12. Mark co-led a New England-wide program to support the redesign of learning in 20 secondary schools supported by a $6 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and has been recognized for his coaching capacity with teachers and administrators. He has led GSP’s efforts to partner with schools and districts in New England and nationally with 16 states across the country, efforts that have resulting in collaborations with well over 120 schools and districts.
“Mark’s efforts on behalf of educators, students, and families across our country have had a huge impact on deeper learning and pushing for increased educational equity,” noted David J. Ruff, executive director of GSP. “He will be sorely missed, but I am tremendously excited about the ideas and energy that Paulina and Katie bring to GSP. This past October the GSP board passed a bold and ambitious five-year strategic plan that is explicit about our commitment to educational equity, providing quality support for teachers, and building pathways for greater engagement with families. These two colleagues are poised to provide leadership that will move the work of GSP forward and continue to make a lasting impact to promote quality learning. I am excited to get to work with Katie and Paulina.”