Schools

Jaye Wilson: "I'm Not Saying Goodbye"

Winthrop School principal retires after 36 years in the New London Public Schools

Jaye Wilson is retiring from the New London Public Schools after 36 years, but she’s not quite ready to leave school just yet.

Wilson will continue to volunteer at the Winthrop School and advocate for the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics magnet school where she has been principal for the past six years. She said she is also hoping to volunteer a day a week at New London Adult Education.

Wilson grew up in New London and attended the public school system, where a third grade teacher first inspired her to pursue a career in education. She attended Mount Ida Junior College in Newton, Mass. before returning to New London. Her mother worked at Connecticut College at the time, which gave Wilson the opportunity to have free tuition.

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Wilson said she was fortunate to get a job right away with the New London Public Schools, starting out as a reading teacher. After earning a master’s degree from Connecticut College, she became a third grade teacher at the Jennings School and spent 19 years in that role.

Wilson said working with young students was what she enjoyed most in her career.

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“I love their enthusiasm,” she said. “I love that every day is new for them. When they grasp a concept and it’s new to them, they are just so excited to have that information.”

After working a year as a fourth grade teacher in the Winthrop School, Wilson earned an administrative degree and moved over to the Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School. She served as dean of students, vice principal, and principal before returning to the Winthrop School as principal in the 2007-2008 school year.

Wilson said she taught during a time when there was a greater degree of federal funding and smaller class sizes in New London Public Schools. She said the district should stay focused on student needs as it undertakes measures for school improvement.

“We’re in for some tough times—financially, educationally—as we go to a magnet school districts,” said Wilson. “There is a learning curve for parents, teachers, and students. It will be bumpy for awhile.”

The transition is another reason that Wilson said she will remain a familiar face in the district. Last month, the Board of Education named Michelle Han—the former Harbor School principal who went on to become dean of students at Winthrop School—as the new principal at the Winthrop School. Wilson said Han will become principal at a time when the district will be implementing several new strategies, including extended learning time and a transition to an all magnet school district.

“It will be an overwhelming task for the new principal, so I want to support her in any way that I can,” said Wilson.

Wilson said she plans to assist with recruiting students for the Winthrop School and promoting its STEM programs while also going to Parent-Teacher Association meetings and school events.

“I keep saying to people, "I’m going to be around. I’m not saying goodbye,'” she said. “I could pop in at any moment.”

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