Kathleen Sheehan named Mariner Middle assistant principal

A desire to take on new challenges prompted Beacon Middle Assistant Principal Kathleen Sheehan to take the assistant role at Mariner Middle effective July 1.

“I’ve been at Beacon five years and it’s been an awesome learning experience,” she said. “Moving to Milton is another opportunity to grow.”

Milton has a different student and staff population, offering new perspectives, Sheehan said. And, the 2023-24 school year will be the first year the district’s Spanish immersion program expands into the middle school; the first cohort of students will be at Mariner.

With this expansion, she said, new teachers and scheduling revisions will be needed. The opening of Frederick D. Thomas Middle School in fall 2024 will bring additional changes, she said, as student enrollment areas are revised to include the new building.

“That’s a lot of new challenges, but I enjoy the opportunity to rise to the challenge,” she said. “I feel lucky to have the opportunity to work here.”

Before joining Beacon, Sheehan was a math specialist and teacher in the Anne Arundel, Md., public school system. She grew up in Chester County, Pa., and received her bachelor’s degree in education from West Chester University, where she also played lacrosse.

Sheehan earned her master’s degree in secondary math education from Towson University and her doctoral degree from Wilmington University.

In her free time, she enjoys cycling, working out and coaching her daughter’s Atlantic Lacrosse Club team. The family lives in Lewes and her daughter attends Rehoboth Elementary.

“So, I get to view the district from a parent's perspective as well,” she said. “It’s a great experience.”