By Ed Pierce
To serve as the school principal at Jordan-Small Middle School, Michelle Brann displays a keen sense of self-awareness, effectively communicates with school staff, students and parents, is influential among those she leads and has shown a willingness to learn from new experiences. These qualities have helped Brann connect with others, inspire action, and adapt to change.
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| Michelle Brann has just finished her third year as the principal of Jordan-Small Middle School in Raymond and is helping to lead the transition for RSU 14 students to a different school when the new Windham Raymond Middle School opens in September 2027. COURTESY PHOTO |
“The best thing about what I do in my job is interacting and building connections with students,” Brann said. “I am not an administrator that sits in their office. I love walking through the building getting fist pumps and checking in with students. Jordan-Small is a small school. I know almost every student's name and something about them. I love having fun with them.”
Her duties as a principal are extensive.
“I help to create a positive and rigorous learning environment for students and to create a culture of support and achievement among students and staff,” she said. “I am helping to lead the coming together of Jordan-Small Middle School, Windham Middle School and Manchester School as we open the Windham-Raymond Middle School in the fall of 2027. This includes aligning the curriculum of all three schools and working with the staff of all three buildings. so that we’re ready on all levels when the doors open. I create positive connections with the community, especially with parents.”
According to Brann, the most challenging aspect of her work is maintaining a proper work/life balance.
“I love what I do and always want to work to make whatever it is I am working on better,” she said. “There is always something more to do. Sometimes it's hard to put work aside to make time for my family and myself. A big misconception people may have is that educators have all kinds of free time. They don't. They are working harder than they ever have.”
She grew up in Falmouth and attended Falmouth schools through her freshman year of high school when she transferred to Hebron Academy. After high school, she started at Wheaton College but eventually transferred to the University of Southern Maine, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, and then a masters’ degree in American and New England Studies.
“From there I did the ETEP (Extended Teacher Education Program) program to get my teaching credentials, and most recently, I received my CAS (Certificate of Advanced Studies) in Educational Leadership,” Brann said. “My first teaching job was at Lake Region High School teaching Social Studies. I was there for two years. I then went to Wells High School where I taught Social Studies for 13 years. From there I went to Lake Region Middle School where I was the assistant principal for five years. I am now completing my third year at Jordan-Small. I think I am heading into my 24th year in education.”
Something that the public may not know is that she is never “not working" at her job.
“As an administrator, even when I am not working, there is always something to think about or the potential for something involving a student or staff member may come up,” Brann said.
Her most memorable moment while working for Jordan-Small so far has been the Pasta Fundraising Dinner for eighth-grade end-of-year activities that the school held this spring.
“It was a great community event in which a number of local businesses donated food items for the dinner or items for the raffle,” Brann said. “District level as well as building-level food service staff volunteered their time to help make the dinner, and parents coordinated decorations, a raffle, needed items, and so much more. The best parts were the level of student participation preparing and serving the meal, and the number of community members that attended. It was a great community night and raised quite a bit of money for the eighth graders to have great end-of-year activities.”
She says the most important thing she’s learned while working at Jordan-Small is how amazing and dedicated the staff is on all levels.
“The level of instructional leadership from the upper administration is impressive,” Brann said. “I value the support I have received from fellow administrators, and finally the desire to support and push students to be successful by teachers and support staff is incredible. I completely appreciate where I am and plan to be a part of RSU 14 for a long time.” <
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